From Durham Tech to the Emmy’s, Hickson sets sights on Hollywood

Durham Tech graduate DeCarlos Hickson thought back to last December when he pieced together a short animation for the Television Academy Foundation in hopes of catapulting his dream of becoming an animator at a major network.

The video was part of a lengthy application process to secure a spot in the foundation’s competitive internship program, which gives college students from around the country in-depth exposure to professional television production.

Hickson, who graduated from Durham Tech in 2017 and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will watch the Emmy’s – a part of the Television Academy Foundation – with a new eye this weekend. His application was one of 1,300 to fill 50 coveted spots. Children’s Programming, the category he applied for, was only accepting four positions.

“I stared at my phone for days, just waiting to receive a call with a California area code,” said Hickson.

On April 21, he got the call he was waiting for.

“I felt validated beyond belief. It was incredible, a dream come true,” Hickson said. “I knew they could help me reach my dreams and get to the next level.”

He was assigned to a host company based in Los Angeles, which produces children’s programming for several major networks.

Prior to COVID, Hickson would have joined the 49 other interns in Los Angeles for the summer, but due to the pandemic, he spent eight weeks in the program virtually.

“Even though I wasn’t physically in L.A., I still learned so much. We had the opportunity to join panel discussions with top executives from companies like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix,” Hickson said.

His host company helped him build his personal brand, including a website and portfolio. They also taught him the art of networking, pitches, and introduced him to three mentors in the field.

“The information they shared was invaluable. They gave us a really in-depth introduction into the television industry.”

As an alumnus of the internship program, Hickson will be invited to help out backstage at the Emmy’s Award Ceremony in Los Angeles once it resumes in-person.

Hickson’s love for animation and storytelling started 20 years ago when he watched “The Proud Family” on Disney for the first time.

“I loved a lot of different programs growing up, but I remember the first time I saw The Proud Family. I was just floored, my mouth dropped. I could connect with it,” Hickson said. “The people looked like me and I could really relate to the stories. It was unlike any show I had ever seen.”

He, too, wants to create a show for kids to connect.

“Kids need to see more diverse programming. I know I needed to see it,” Hickson said. “Representation is so important. To see someone that looks like you, and watch story lines you can relate to are so important. A lot of kids don’t get to see other cultural groups and a children’s program could be the first time they see people that aren’t just like them. The earlier it happens, the better off people will be.”

Ten years ago, his love for animation became more palpable.

Hickson was working as an overnight security guard in RTP when his coworker noticed him drawing the anatomy of a deer.

“He said, ‘That’s amazing. What are you doing working here? You should be making a show or something,’” Hickson said. “I’ve always been a fan of animation, but I never thought it was something I could do as a career. I immediately started researching and realized it was indeed possible.”

He then came across a Durham Tech magazine lying on one of the tables at work.

“It said, ‘From community college to the university,’ on the front cover and I thought, if I could make something like this happen, then I could probably get closer to what I really want to be doing. I had been out of high school for a few years and in the workforce for a while, and I was ready to do more with my life.”

Hickson said his academic journey at Durham Tech laid the groundwork for his animation dreams.

“Durham Tech was the bridge for me. The College helped me get back into the habits a student should have, and taught me how to juggle classes, working, and being responsible,” Hickson said. “All of the skills I developed at Durham Tech are the reason I made it to the Emmy’s. I took all of the skills they taught me and carried them over to UNC-Chapel Hill and continue to sharpen them today.”

— DeCarlos Hickson

He also spent valuable time with Tim Postell, Fine Arts Instructor at Durham Tech.

“I learned a lot from Mr. Postell. I saw him nearly everyday and soaked up as much knowledge as I could from him,” Hickson said.

Postell said Hickson was one of his all-time favorite students.

“DeCarlos is a multi-talented person who brings an unwavering passion and enthusiasm to whatever he does,” Postell said. “He is a great team player and his desire to make a positive impact and contribution to those around him is refreshing and inspirational.”

Hickson transferred to UNC-Chapel Hill where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, with a focus on Media, Technology, and Production.

“My end goal is to be a showrunner for a major network. I want to create my own animated series with my own stories. I love writing stories as much as I love designing the characters,” he said. “Having the opportunity to include all sides of myself into my work and share it with an audience that can connect to it would be phenomenal.”

Hickson completed the internship in September and is currently talking to three companies about entry-level positions.

He expects to make a decision in coming weeks.

Though the position will start off remotely in Durham, he expects a move to Los Angeles – the hub for animation studios – a few months later.

“Take as many art and design classes as you can, and practice every day,” Hickson said of his advice to others. “Also take as many writing classes as you can because it’s not just animation, it’s the story too. Learn as much as possible and have a lot of life experiences because you’ll pull from those experiences to tell stories.”
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Contact Marcy Gardner, Content and Social Media Coordinator, at gardnerm@durhamtech.edu