Top animation studios in the USA?

I'm really interested in a career in animation and want to know which studios in the USA are considered the best. Are there specific companies or studios I should aim to work with for internships or jobs?

Absolutely, there are some renowned animation studios in the US that are well known for creating world-class animation. Many of them provide internship opportunities to break into the industry. Here are five notable ones:

1. Pixar Animation Studios: Pixar is undeniably one of the top animation studios worldwide. Based in Emeryville, California, Pixar's films like "Toy Story," "Finding Nemo," and "Up" have been critical and commercial successes. Pixar internships typically focus on animation, art, and storyboarding.

2. Walt Disney Animation Studios: This studio has made significant strides in animation with classics like "Cinderella," "The Lion King," and "Moana." Disney offers internships across various divisions including story, art, animation, and technical directors.

3. DreamWorks Animation: DreamWorks, with hits like "Shrek," "Madagascar," and "How to Train Your Dragon," operates from Glendale, California. They have a reputable internship program which covers areas like animation, production management, and development.

4. Blue Sky Studios: Known for franchises like "Ice Age" and "Rio," Blue Sky is based in Connecticut. They offer internships during the summer in animation, marketing, and art.

5. Laika Studios: This Oregon-based studio has pioneered the mix of stop-motion and CGI, with films like "Coraline" and "Kubo and the Two Strings." They offer summer internships in everything from puppet fabrication to animation.

Remember, snagging an internship at one of these places can be competitive, as these are well-known and popular studios. Never underestimate the value of building a strong portfolio, gaining experience wherever you can, and relentlessly honing your craft to stand out from others.