How possible is it to get a job in DreamWorks Pixar and Disney ect and stay there without being laid off or fired within a couple of years and what courses and degrees should I do to get those jobs?

Answer 1

This is a complex question with simple and complex answers. The short answer is this: it's very possible to get a job at a large company if your work is good enough. If your work ethic is good then you'll stay, not withstanding economic hardship at the company. When a project is over, a lot of times there are layoffs, but generally speaking, with layoffs they start with weaker workers and work their way up the chain.

The long answer: Animation (if you are indeed looking for an animation position) is a nomadic field. There's a great chance that you'll move around a lot before getting settled. If you do land a job at a larger company, there are chances of lay-offs. It's the nature of the field, but being a stronger worker with good work helps tremendously.

As for education, if you're a character animator degrees aren't required for a job. They don't hurt, but in the end your work will always speak for you. For technical positions (Character TD's, Tool Developers, Software Developers, System Engineers, etc.) degrees related to the field of work are usually required, and if not required STRONGLY desired in a potential hire. Degrees in things like Technical Animation, Computer Science, Effects Animation, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and so on would be a good place to start. If you're a character animator, getting a degree in Character Animation would be great if you've got the money and time for it.