<p>Thank you, pumkinking!
By animation ghetto, I think he means the marginalization of 2D animation versus film and the idea that animated works are of a lower tier, artistically, or “for kids.” Perhaps that notion doesn’t even apply anymore, but it’s something his animation teachers have mentioned. </p>
<p>He is neither a computer-gamey 3D kid (grew up with no TV and has never owned a video game) nor a technical virtuoso (doesn’t come from a fine art/illustration background). He IS a story-telling and idea machine! He loves story-boarding and conceptualizing, inventing characters, and has done several minute long hand-drawn animations that won awards. He has a natural story-telling sensibility, with sharp, observant humor and a strong artistic voice. </p>
<p>That said, he loves <em>all</em> aspects of visual story-telling. He is driven and obsessed, lives and breathes it. Has been this way since he first picked up a pencil at 18 months old, LOL.</p>
<p>He is a high school senior and must choose now between USC School of Cinema Arts (if we can afford it), Chapman-Dodge (giant merit/talent scholarship) and LMU (nice scholarship). All three offered him the animation/digital arts major. The first two, in particular, seem to offer depth/breadth in 2D, 3D and Vis Fx. A 4th option is UC San Diego, where the Visual Arts/Media major seems more academic/experimental and not industry-based. </p>
<p>Thank you for your thoughts. Much appreciated!</p>