I can honestly say that one of the most amazing aspects of being an Animation Mentor student in the Bay Area is getting to see some of the great animation studios first hand though the good graces of some of my mentors.

I have been blessed with some truly amazing mentors and have been doubly blessed when they allow us to stop by for lunch and give us a quick tour. Not to mention the fact that the school headquarters is in the Bay Area itself.

Matt, Bobby (co-founder) and myself at the AM headquarters.

Getting to actually visit the school has been really great. From just a few rooms in the beginning, the space has evolved to incorporate multiple floors, knocked out walls, expanded staff and production facilities. It has been great seeing the roots of AM take hold and flourish.

Doug (our mentor) and some of our class at Pixar.

Pixar is the closest thing to entering Willy Wonka's factory that I can imagine. The security, secrecy, and general attitude that so many people who want to see what goes on behinds its closed doors made the visit such an extra special treat.

Doug Dooley was such a great tour guide and a very gracious host, even while we freaked out at the Pixar store and took perhaps a bit too much time stuffing our shopping bags with Pixar swag.

Jason (our mentor) and some of the class having lunch at Dreamworks/PDI.

Jason Schleiffer was kind enough to let me stop by twice to Dreamworks/PDI and mooch some free food for lunch. Just getting to sit at a table with other animators and talk movies, games, animation and all the stuff that makes life worth living drove home to me one of the main reasons for my change of direction in life. That sense of common ground and camaraderie was like being wrapped in a warm blanket and is a driving force behind my redirected goals.

The sort of view typically seen on the beautiful ILM campus.

Today I was lucky enough to escort recent ILM hire and AM student (and friend) Matt Garward to his place of employment. After spending the weekend getting the Garward's accustomed to the roller coaster ride of Bay Area real estate (all part of relocation), we got to take a break at ILM for lunch and meet up with Shawn Kelly (another AM co-founder).

The campus was breathtaking, the people open and so friendly, and the food incredible. Overall it was just a dream come true. Luckily, Shawn was quite forgiving towards me and Matt geeking out every time we saw a matte painting, or spaceship model, or prop. Considering the place is absolutely packed with movie memorabilia made the geekfest that much more concentrated.

All in all I consider myself extremely lucky to have attended Animation Mentor and had access to such amazing people and places. It is all just fuel for the fire to keep my engines running full steam and keep me on course.