Pixar and ILM sound like dream jobs for animators
They do some wonderful stuff along with a handful of other computer animation companies. I used to work with a graphics artist who dreamed of working there, too. They can pick and choose the cream of the animator talent. Best of luck to your brother-in-law and friend getting hired at Pixar or one of the other top animation/special effects houses. Could you imagine what it'd be like to work on movies like "Shrek"?