Hasta La Motion!

I realise you must get this a LOT but I could do with your help/advice. I graduated in BSc Design Tech and I am looking to move into the animation/visual effects industry. I have done a lot of research over the past 6-12 months and I’m adamant that I have made the right decision. I went to Siggraph 2011 in Vancouver and asked a lot of questions, got a good understanding of what is expected from me but I have a few more and wondered if you could help…

1) it seems that everyone wants to see a portfolio/demo reel regardless of your experience. I want to apply for a runner/PA position as I see it as a great way to learn, whilst working in the industry. Does anyone have any suggestions on which sites make good portfolios? If you have any other advice re the portfolio, please share.

2) I recently applied for a position as a runner at MPC and they wanted someone with experience using UNIX/Linux (to which I have none of either). I am enthusiastic and eager to learn but I am not sure which application would be the best; Fedora, Ubuntu, etc. Also, would you suggest buying a book or registering on a course?

3) I already completed an ‘Intro to Maya’ part-time course that taught me the basic principles of Maya but I was wondering what you would suggest doing next, I want to practice using the software by working on tutorials but I am struggling to find basic tutorials (which include the necessary part files – for FREE). Again, any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks again to anyone who takes the time to read and reply to my post.

Andy