The Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has selected five students to participate in its 2013 summer internship program, with placements at the Tech Council, Dolby Laboratories, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios. The only one of its kind, the Academy-sponsored program is designed to nurture the next generation of motion picture technologists by providing real-world experience to students interested in careers in motion picture technology and scientific research.
The 2013 Science and Technology Council summer interns and their internship hosts are:
• Victor Mateevitsi, University of Illinois at Chicago – Pixar Animation Studios
• Ritvik Menon, University of Pennsylvania – Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Jaclyn Pytlarz, Rochester Institute of Technology – Science and Technology Council
• Wei Wang, Texas A&M University – Pixar Animation Studios
• Xi Xu, University of Illinois at Chicago – Dolby Laboratories
These five students were selected from among applicants who underwent a rigorous vetting process by a distinguished panel of Tech Council members. The applicants submitted demo reels of their work, which were reviewed and evaluated for technical aptitude, innovation, creativity and originality.
Now in its seventh year, the summer internship program provides a 10- to 12-week hands-on experience that helps students gain a deeper understanding of advanced motion picture technologies. During the internships, the students will also attend several Academy-related events in Southern California and the Bay Area, including meet-and-greets with industry experts.
“Our hope is that these extraordinary young innovators will lead in the development and deployment of next-generation motion picture technology. This group of highly skilled interns from diverse backgrounds will spur advancements in creativity and fuel new toolsets for artists. Their work will spark the imagination of audiences worldwide,” said Elizabeth Cohen, Ph.D., the Tech Council’s internship program chair.
Established in 2003 by the Academy’s Board of Governors, the Science and Technology Council provides a forum for the exchange of information, promotes cooperation among diverse technological interests within the industry, sponsors publications, fosters educational activities, and preserves the history of the science and technology of motion pictures.
About THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards-in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners-Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies. www.oscars.org