Different types of animation internships are often provided by animation houses and by those companies that employ animators in different types of industries. Many internships can be found at major animation studios — usually working in either two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) animation — and help accustom a student to the industry itself. There are also animation internships offered by television networks and companies that produce animated programs seen on television, often allowing a student to learn about various aspects of television production and animation. Some internships are available with video game companies and other businesses that employ animators, though these may be less common.
Animation internships are typically programs in which students pursuing a degree in art or animation can work at a studio to gain experience and a better understanding of the industry. Some of these internships can be found at studios that produce animation for films, usually in the form of animated features. Such animation internships usually allow students to see how the information they are learning in classes is applied in the workplace and to begin developing contacts within the industry. Major production studios may have different types of internships for students interested in different aspects of the industry, such as 2D and 3D animation and concept artistry.
There are also animation internships available for students interested in working in television animation production. These internships are often provided by networks that create original programming, as well as studios that produce shows for television networks. Animation internships at these studios may involve different aspects of the industry, including the writing process, actual animation, and even editing. Since animated television programs are often exported from one country to another, there may also be internships for those interested in translating these shows between languages and the production process involved in these shows.
Other animation internships can be offered by companies that utilize computer animation to create works other than animated television or film programs. Video game companies, for example, often employ a number of animators who create the art assets used in the games those companies create. While many smaller companies may not have opportunities for interns, there are many larger video game developers that often use internships to help students and to scout for talented artists interested in employment. There are also animation internships that may be available at special effects companies that create realistic animations for use in live action film and television productions; such internships can be a great way for an animator to make connections within the effects industry.