The Stargazers: Meet the Fall 2018 Interns!

The fall interns here at FableVision have beamed down from their spacecraft and are already exploring the fields of art, production, and marketing!  With collaborative intern projects underway, these shooting stars are over the moon about utilizing their skills and becoming FableVisionaries in training.  This galactic journey is in progress, and it’s time to meet the interns!

Sparked your interest? Head on over to the internships page to see how you can apply!

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Jennifer Jordan

• Hometown: Tyngsboro, MA

• School & Major: Fitchburg State University, Communications Media with a concentration in Film/Video

• Position: Marketing Intern

• Portfolio: vimeo.com/jenjordan

We know FableVision is out of this world, but what exactly drew you to an internship here?
I go to Fitchburg State University for communications media, the same college FableVision’s co-founder Peter H. Reynolds went to, so I’ve been hearing about FableVision for years now! I always knew I was interested in children’s media but when I took a sound design class where I had to design a full soundtrack for a children’s audio book, it sealed the deal! I had so much fun with that assignment. Once I interviewed and saw the Wall of Inspiration and so many talented people working together in a creative space, I knew it was a perfect fit!

What part of your job are you most excited about and what do you hope to learn during this expedition?
I LOVE learning, so I’m most excited to get my hands on new software, websites, and marketing strategies that I never knew about before.  Gaining more knowledge every day is awesome. I hope to learn more about social media marketing, and become a skilled blog post writer!

If you could add something to the Wall of Inspiration, what would you add?
Scrump, the doll from Lilo and Stitch.  That movie is just so important and I’m in love with every aspect of it.

What would be the first thing you do after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?
Probably have some hot tea and stretch, being frozen for 100 years sounds awful.

Fun Facts

Something you can’t go a day without: Dancing!
Favorite holiday: Halloween
Cat or Dog Person: I am obsessed with all animals but I have to say cat! (Shout out to my two kittens, Penguin and Tiger Bear!)
Fantasy World you wish existed: The Hundred Acre Wood

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Yasmine Ebeed

• Hometown: Windham, NH

• School & Major: Simmons University, Communications with a concentration in Graphic Design

• Position: Marketing Intern

• Portfolio: instagram.com/yasmemez.design

  
  We know FableVision is out of this world, but what exactly drew you to an internship here?
  I’ve always been interested in art and animation, and I’ve lived my whole life thinking I had to move out to California to be a part of any type of animation studio, and after discovering that there was an amazing multi-media production studio right in my backyard, I was so excited! I spent my whole summer reading every blog post, watching every video and falling more and more in love with FableVision and what it stands for. I knew I wanted to be a part of it one way or another so I applied for an internship!

What part of your job are you most excited about and what do you hope to learn during this expedition?
I’m most excited to learn more about marketing! Doing marketing for a studio is a new experience for me, but so far I’ve loved every second of it! Hopefully I come out of this expedition with a wealth of knowledge on how to create effective and engaging content. I also really love art, so being around so many creative people inspires me to better my skills every day, I’m still on the launch pad with a lot more to learn!

If you could add something to the Wall of Inspiration, what would you add?
I would add my childhood Powerpuff Girls Room Guard, because it yells every time someone walks past it and I think it would make for a good laugh.

What would be the first thing you do after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?
Probably go back to sleep.

Fun Facts

Something you can’t go a day without: Twitter
Favorite holiday: Eid! It’s an Islamic Holiday, I love getting dressed up and seeing friends and family!
Cat or Dog Person: Cats all the way!
Fantasy World you wish existed: The world of Avatar: The Last Airbender! I would LOVE to be a water bender.

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Vath Doangpratheep

• Hometown: Waltham, MA

• School & Major: Lesley University College of Art and Design ’19, Animation

• Position: Art Intern

• Portfolio: astellias.wixsite.com/portfolio

We know FableVision is out of this world, but what exactly drew you to an internship here?
My professors and friends told me about FableVision and I immediately fell in love with their work. At the time, I was also taking a character design course with Bob Flynn and thought that it was a super fun and informative class, so I knew that I had to get involved with FableVision somehow and applied!

What part of your job are you most excited about and what do you hope to learn during this expedition?
I’m excited to learn new art and animation techniques in a studio setting. There are so many passionate and talented artists here, it’s an inspiring environment to be in! I want to take in and learn as much as possible about everything that goes into the art process here!

If you could add something to the Wall of Inspiration, what would you add?
Definitely a Weighted Companion Cube from Portal. Portal 2 is one of my all-time favorite video games because it has such an incredibly rich storyline, unique characters, and gameplay–it absolutely deserves a place on the Wall!

What would be the first thing you do after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?
After the initial shock, I’d probably catch up on the endings to all the shows I never had the chance to finish.

Fun Facts

Something you can’t go a day without: Cute vids of animals being silly
Favorite holiday: Christmas—I love cold weather, cozy knitted sweaters, and giving gifts to family and friends!
Cat or Dog Person: I’m both!
Fantasy World you wish existed: I wish any universe from the Studio Ghibli movies existed! Especially the world of Howl’s Moving Castle or Spirited Away because they’re all so full of nature and dream-like atmospheres

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Jess Brown

• Hometown: Canterbury, CT

• School & Major: Lesley University, Animation

• Position: Art Intern

• Portfolio: www.gemrysart.online

We know FableVision is out of this world, but what exactly drew you to an internship here?
A love and appreciation for children’s media, and a great professor who kept encouraging me! I’d known about FableVision since my first year at Lesley—Bob Flynn came into my internship seminar class to talk about some of his work, and from then on it’s always been in the back of my mind. I have a lot of background working with kids, and so I felt really drawn to FableVision and the work that’s done here.

What part of your job are you most excited about and what do you hope to learn during this expedition?
I’m really excited to be working alongside the other interns to create something brand new—getting experience in the production process with a team is always great and really valuable. I can’t wait to work alongside others and see what we make!

If you could add something to the Wall of Inspiration, what would you add?
If I could add something to the Wall of Inspiration, I think it would have to be a surfing pikachu figurine. Or this.

What would be the first thing you do after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?
Teach the children in schools what memes Really Were and what they Really Meant.

Fun Facts

Something you can’t go a day without: My glasses, sadly. Also, three full meals and multiple snacks, because my metabolism is a monster.  
Favorite holiday: I like December holidays a lot because I love giving people gifts—close in second is Halloween though, because I also really love giving myself discount candy.
Cat or Dog Person: Dogs! I love cats too, but I’ve gotta go with dogs on this one.
Fantasy World you wish existed: Ever since I was five years old I have never wanted anything more than to live in the world of Pokémon.  

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Christian Peth

• Hometown: Buffalo, NY

• School & Major: Berklee College of Music, Business / Management

• Position: Production Intern

• Portfolio: Christian’s done sound design work on a number of FableVision’s games, including Georgia Race Through Time!

We know FableVision is out of this world, but what exactly drew you to an internship here?
I had previously worked for FableVision as a sound designer and composer for a couple of their games, so an internship was a logical next step.  It was an incredible experience working with each game’s development team, and as a result I knew I’d appreciate the company’s work culture.

What part of your job are you most excited about and what do you hope to learn during this expedition?
I’m super excited to work with the other FableVision interns on our intern project!  Real world leadership experience is invaluable as a business management student. The primary “learning objective” of my internship at FableVision is mastering the basics UX Design.  It’s the ultimate combination of my expertise in product development and my fascination with how technology directly affects an individuals daily life.

If you could add something to the Wall of Inspiration, what would you add?
I would feature artwork related to one of the games I composed music for, with a QR code incorporated into the artwork that would open a music playback engine featuring the game’s soundtrack.    

What would be the first thing you do after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 years?
I would absolutely go out and explore my new surroundings, learning everything I can about the 22nd century through first-hand experiences.  

Fun Facts:

Something you can’t go a day without: Fashion is a critical component of my lifestyle, and my wardrobe is something I definitely couldn’t live without.
Favorite holiday: Halloween is the ultimate combination of festive fall treats and spooky movie nights.
Cat or Dog Person: Cat for sure.  I emotionally associate with cats on a number of levels.  
Fantasy World you wish existed: My inner child would certainly suggest the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Fantastical creatures, robust lore, powerful magic, it really has everything going for it.

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Priya Amin

• Hometown: Port Neches, Texas

• School & Major: Harvard, Joint Degree with History and Science and Visual and Environmental Studies with a Secondary in Integrative Biology

• Position: Production Intern

We know FableVision is out of this world, but what exactly drew you to an internship here?
I used to play many educational video games growing up, and they were fundamental in my interest in school. If I tell that younger version of myself that I was working to help create the kind of content that inspired me to learn, I think I’d be so proud! Moreover, I am passionate about the intersection between education and entertainment, and FableVision’s work is positioned alongside my interests for my own career.

What part of your job are you most excited about and what do you hope to learn during this expedition?
I hope to learn more about how different production pipelines are specifically created to produce different media for FableVision’s clients. Overall, I look forward to contributing to content that I wish I saw more of--I’m excited about the projects in the fall lineup, and I can’t wait to see how they turn into viable products for larger audiences.

If you could add something to the Wall of Inspiration, what would you add?
Something from Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, which was my favorite show as a kid.

What would be the first thing you do after waking up from being cryogenically frozen for 100 Years?
I’d probably make myself a grilled cheese; I bet I’d be really hungry (I’m always hungry).

Fun Facts:

Something you can’t go a day without: A shower!
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Cat or Dog Person: Dog!!!
Fantasy World you wish existed: The Wild Thornberrys

Fable for Four, Please: Meet the Interns of Fall 2017

In with the cool breeze comes an even cooler set of fall 2017 interns. Bustling in from North to South, East to West, and right down the street, this bunch *leaves* its mark on FableVision with inspired ideas, amazing art, and creative confluence. In collaborating on a series of impressive independent projects, from film and food to art and adventures, they are painting life colorfully with stories that aim to shape and change the world for the better.

Animate your day with these faces by getting to know their hobbies, hideaways, and holiday snack loyalties - and get ready to *fall* for these Fantastic Four.

Interested in learning more about FableVision’s internship program? Check out the internships page for details and apply for yourself!

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Olivia Jones

Intern Specialization: Marketing
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
School and field of study: Tufts University/Film and Media Studies

What brings you here? (How did you hear about FableVision?) 
I first heard of FableVision this past summer on a 100 degree day in my hometown of Dallas, Texas. I was interning in the digital department at Freeman Company, working on marketing projects for their event-related products and services, but - having also completed a film internship at Bona Fide productions in LA last January - was hoping to get back into creative media. When my major advisor at Tufts told me about FableVision, I thought I’d cracked the sweet spot. So far my hypothesis hasn’t failed me.

What does a day in the studio look like for you?
Having acquired my tall, nonfat, sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce latte from Starbucks (™) - extra shot of espresso, extra shot of eyerolls from from the baristas - I get into the office around 9:30 a.m. After stepping into my weekly marketing team meeting with Sarah, Mitul, and David, I amp myself up for a day that might hold anything from writing case studies, to drafting social media, to working on my independent project, which is a three-piece blog series about food positivity (think photo to your right, in text).

What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
I love the collaborative nature of the studio. Being able to walk into such a creative group that’s always having fun - and getting to take part in that dynamic - is such a treat.

Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
How abstract are we going? Sometimes when Matt Brelsford, FableVision developer extraordinaire, is at home he leaves his video chat open on an extra computer in the studio so he doesn’t feel left out of the fun. I’d love to teleport myself through his screen and play with his cat.

My “official” answer would be Leigh Hallisey, FableVision’s Creative Director. Having the chance to piece together stories as beautifully as she does would be a challenging and exciting exercise in creative writing.

Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
Still using my imagination, no matter in what context. I feel strongly that my biggest asset on any team is the ability to get lost in my head, and to find treasure in my imagination.

Where is your happy place?
Sitting at a meal with my family. No doubt my sense of storytelling came from my dad’s winding anecdotes recounting everything from campaigning in Texas with my politicking grandfather to riding a motorcycle down the steps of the Mussolini building in Rome.

Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Corn
I hope this is purely hypothetical. But if I had to choose, I’d go with PSL - where’s the pumpkin anyways???

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Hang Li

Intern specialization: Art
Hometown: China
School and field of study: Savannah College of Art and Design/Animation

What brings you here? (How did you hear about FableVision?)  
I like to watch illustrative animated short films on Youtube. One day, I watched Keepers of the Flame, by FableVision which gave me a deep impression. I truly enjoyed the beautiful poem and the illustrative style. After watching the film, I searched for FableVision on Google and met the wonderful studio.

What does a day in the studio look like for you?
It is such a fun day. I enjoy animated films together with my colleagues in a group and discuss the animation technologies. My favorite is the idea of “bringing the characters to life.” Sometimes animators need to act out the role of the characters themselves. Actually, animators are actors; a good animator needs to be a good actor.

What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
The people, definitely. I love the friendly and creative atmosphere of our team. My colleagues make FableVision like a family to me.

Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
Hannah O’Neal, one of FableVision’s animators. She is very professional. I love talking to her and asking her different kinds of questions about animation, and have learned a lot of useful skills from her. What’s more, she is such a nice person and working with her is so much fun.

Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
A director for animated short films.

Where is your happy place?
Anywhere could be great as long as I am with my son. Watching him playing provides me with cool ideas for animation. He is also my perfect model to do sketches.

Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Corn
PSL

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David Welsh

Intern specialization: Marketing
Hometown: Haverhill, Massachusetts
School and field of study: Middlesex Community College/Communications (with focus on film and television production)

What brings you here?  (How did you hear about FableVision?) 
I heard about FableVision when I was researching game studios in Boston, and I saw they were having an art show open to the public (Creative Juices! The theme that year was “Glow-In-The-Dark”). I went, and while I was too shy to actually introduce myself to anyone at the time, it did inspire me to go back to school and figure out a way I could actually work here. Somehow, my crazy plan worked!

What does a day in the studio look like for you?
I take an early train in and I use that time to get caught up on my independent project. Then we have our morning meetings, and I learn what I’m working on that day. I’m usually bouncing between drafting social media posts, writing case studies, or working on other tasks the marketing team needs. I also like to keep an eye on Twitter and see what’s trending so I can suggest ideas for our social media.

What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
I’ve always loved video games and animation, and I feel so lucky to sit in the middle of the office and see all the developers, artists, animators, and producers making such cool stuff. And everyone has so much fun here!

Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
I’d have to say one of the producers like Sam Bissonnette or Michael Fogarasi. My education, hobbies, and career path have molded me into a jack-of-all trades, and I want to be a producer because I love seeing projects through and understanding how games and films get made. I get inspired hearing the producers at FableVision talk about their latest projects because you can see the passion they have for their work and their project team.

Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
In five years, I am setting awesome stories loose in the world!

Where is your happy place?
Canobie Lake Park during Screeemfest. My wife and I go for our annual outing, so I’d have to say being surrounded by roller coasters, haunted houses, Ghostbusters, monsters, and Michael Jackson impersonators is my happy place!

Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Corn
All of these must go…in my belly. This is my favorite time of year, and these are my favorite foods! (I will happily take all the extra candy corn off your hands.)

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Anastasia Ricoy

Intern specialization: Art
Hometown: Somerville, MA
School and field of study: Lesley University/Illustration and Animation

What brings you here?  (How did you hear about FableVision?) 
I am friends with a few past interns and they told me how wonderful FableVision was and recommended it to me. I soon realized after researching the studio that I recognized some of the work they had done and I had to join!

What does a day in the studio look like for you?
After setting down my laptop and tablet, I grab a coffee or hot chocolate and get to work. Usually in the beginning of the week, I join the team meetings to hear new projects, goals, and accomplishments. Then I start to animate or illustrate work until lunch. That’s when I have time to catch up on everyone’s days or stories. Throughout the rest of the day while I work, I love to hear more jokes and stories that people bring up.

What aspect of FableVision excites you the most?
I think what excites me the most about FableVision is that everyone has a passionate mind. Each desk is decorated with mementos that I can recognize from shows, games, and stories I know of. It brings me so much joy to talk to everyone about their work or favorite things.

Freaky-Friday-switch places with anyone on the team for the day. Who are you and why?
I’m probably Bob Flynn, Director of Art and Animation, or Hannah because they have jobs I’d love to pursue in the future. They’re also both talented in what they do. Plus, Bob has a cool Wacom Cintiq tablet, who wouldn’t want to draw on that?

Complete the sentence: In five years I am ______.
In five years, I am successful in what I do.

Where is your happy place?
Walking in a park with a lot of sunshine, drawing next to a window with a warm drink, or listening to waves at the beach.

Which seasonal delicacy must go?: (1) Apple Crumble, (2) PSL, (3) Candy Cor
Candy Corn has to go. I would’ve said PSL because so many people get excited for it, but that’s a pretty good latte.

Check out Anastasia's incredible art: 

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Beyond the Backyard

Beyond the Backyard is the collaborative project of FableVision’s Summer 2017 interns. The game follows a child who ventures into the wilderness in search of their Grandma’s beloved, escaped pet parrot.

The interactive adventure game lets players explore five beautiful environments filled with New England wildlife. Players solve puzzles to unlock each area and work towards reuniting Grandma with her missing pet. Learn about plants and animals by interacting with them to view your journal filled with educational information and fun facts.

When you’re a kid, the world feels limitless. Beyond the Backyard reflects our nostalgia and the sense of wonder we experienced as kids in our own backyards. There’s so much to explore—see everything there is to discover when you venture beyond what you know, into unchartered territory.

(Editorial note: the Unity web player may not work on older browsers, so please switch over to the latest version of Chrome if you're experiencing issues.)

Check out our behind-the-scenes post over on InternVision.

Learn more about FableVision's internship program (and apply!) here.

Once Upon an Intern: Spring 2017

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Once upon a time, three interns took three very separate journeys to the magical land of FableVision Studios. They fought off deadly Self-Doubts, traveled across oceans of caffeinated beverages, and braved their way through surprise New England snowstorms. Ultimately, they made it to FableVision in one piece.

For FableVision’s three 2017 Spring interns, their stories began, quite literally, at opposite ends of the country. One of them could paint otherworldly images that practically jumped off the page, one wove fantastical narratives that hypnotized her readers, and one created living things out of paper and string. What they did share is a love of stories and storytelling.

Pull up an armchair, grab a cup o’ hot chocolate, and brush off those midwinter blues with tales about this semester’s FableVision interns!

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Christine Brennan, Art and Animation Intern
Hometown: Hooksett, NH
School and field of study: Academy of Art University, Animation

How did your journey with art/animation start?
I started animating in high school when a few of my friends and I decided to start an animation club. Every weekend, we would meet, learn about animation, and create new projects together. I decided to pursue animation as a career because I was inspired by the collaboration, hard work, and creative atmosphere that comes with working on a team.

What do you like most about creating art?
Sharing it with people when I am done!

What other things are you balancing with this internship?
I’m taking three classes at my university online, and am starting driver’s education. I also balance freelance jobs, keep up with my art portfolio, and make sure my dog is thoroughly loved (the last being most important, obviously).

What advice would you give to people thinking about this internship?
Don’t think; just do it. Take the initiative and start your career! This is my first official internship and I couldn’t imagine a better environment to get myself acquainted with a working studio atmosphere.

More about Christine!

Favorite type of story? Fantasy! Anything made up and contrary to reality, because, in all honesty, real life is boring. My favorite story is Howl’s Moving Castle. I think it has phenomenal storytelling, and is innovative and beautiful.
Favorite fairy tale? Beauty and the Beast.
Favorite hero/villain combination? Simba and Scar because they both have nice singing voices.

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Jayne Roberts, Marketing Intern
Hometown: Oakland, CA
School and field of study: Emerson College, Creative Writing

How did your journey with writing start?
Before I loved to write, I loved to read. I loved how different words, and combinations of words evoked different emotions. Eventually, I wanted to see what kinds of emotions I could evoke with my own writing. I started by drawing up cards and stories for people on holidays. I’d write a poem for each of my friends on Valentine’s Day and gain confidence by how excited they were. Now, I’m horrified when I look back on how badly they were written. I mean, seriously, who rhymes “donkey” with “baby?” Still, it’s those first attempts that got me to where I am today, so I’m pretty grateful for elementary-age me.

What other things are you balancing with this internship?
At the moment, I’ve got a full-time job working at a bookstore, I’m working on my graduate degree in creative writing, and I’m finishing my first novel...plus a screenplay, book of poetry, and collection of essays. I think it’s safe to say I have focus issues.

What advice would you give to people thinking about this internship?
Always challenge yourself, but remember to relax. Everyone who works here remembers what it’s like to be just starting out, and they actually want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to fail. You’ll learn more from trying out new things, even when they don’t work out, than you will by playing it safe.

What do you like most about creating art?
I love the almost out-of-body experience that occurs when something you’ve created finds its way from your brain out into the real world. You’ve tied together little pieces of yourself with pieces of the outside world and let them grow together. It’s a pretty cathartic experience.

More about Jayne!

Favorite type of story? One that takes me through a range of emotions. All of my favorite authors have had me in drowning in tears, choking on my own laughter, and staring off into space in deep contemplation with a single story.
Favorite fairy tale? Any of the ones involving Anansi. He gets away with murder!
Favorite hero/villain combination? Peter Pan versus Captain Hook.

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Mollie Davis, Art and Animation Intern
Hometown: Northampton, MA
School and field of study: Northeastern University, Studio Art

How did your journey with art/animation start?
In 4th grade, I drew a dog pretty well, and my classmates were so impressed that they asked me to draw their animals. I started to wonder if I could be an artist when I "grew up". I was raised in Northampton, Ma where I was fortunate enough to meet local artists, take art classes, and enjoy a public school system that encouraged the arts. My sister is also creative and I think our friendly/not-so-friendly competitions pushed me to do better and work harder.

What do you like most about creating art?
I like that art crosses barriers more easily than anything else: age, time, religion, language. In the graphic novel, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, readers learn about her life growing up in Iran, going to school in France, and the hard times without ever talking to her or visiting those places. I think art is one of the best methods of communication and it's convenient that a lot of it is funny and beautiful because that means a lot of people want to engage with it. I think going into this field carries a responsibility to aspire to and go beyond the best of what has come before. Isn't that exciting?

What other things are you balancing with this internship?
Phew, it's a lot. I'm in production on my capstone film, a six and a half minute animated short. I'm a co-founder and Director of Exhibitions for spark, a contemporary art collective dedicated to exhibiting art on campus (for students, by students) and educating the Northeastern community about contemporary art. Also, I'm a board member of the animation club and I freelance for the mobile media company Bare Tree Media.

What advice would you give to people thinking about this internship?
Put your best foot forward and don't be afraid to let what you are passionate about shine through. FableVision offers a lot of room to learn and grow.

More about Mollie!

Favorite type of story? Drama and adventure stories. If an author or illustrator has built up a sturdy world and compelling characters, I'll buy the ticket and hop on the ride immediately. I like stories where the characters face big challenges, have to overcome them, and maybe learn something.
Favorite fairy tale? Alice in Wonderland. I find Lewis Carroll's original story fascinating—the subtle political commentary, the mathematic riddles hidden in nonsense, how Alice is constantly and randomly challenged at every turn, and the wordplay.
Favorite hero/villain combination? I really like Chihiro vs. Yubaba. I really like Spirited Away. Period.

Learn more about FableVision internships here.