APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Helping Veterans and Native Americans Break Into the Animation Industry
VME is proud to collaborate with Netflix Animation for the launch of the Netflix Foundations Program, a four-month mentorship initiative to help build access for underrepresented talent to better compete for entry-level roles in animation.
Location, Time Commitment, and Cost
The program begins April 11 and runs through July 29.
The Netflix Foundation Program is supported by Netflix and is offered at no cost to the veteran.
About the Program
The virtual Foundations Program is divided into six tracks: art and visual development, storyboarding, writing, CG/VFX, production management, and an informational track that covers part of all these disciplines.
Participants are matched with a mentor from Netflix Animation where they will receive advice on the industry, their careers, and guidance with editing and curating professionally-styled portfolios, writing samples and resumes. Additionally, mentees are invited to lectures that provide insights on the animation pipeline. This prepares participants to apply for internships, training and apprentice programs, or entry-level positions within the animation industry.
Mentees from last year’s program offered hearty praise for the experience. Some samples from their statement:
“I learned so much about writing for animation. It was so much fun to write a fake episode for a show we loved and to adapt to the writing style and comedy.”
“This program was so helpful as an aspiring storyboard artist trying to break in. My mentor showed us his creative process and was open to any questions from us. Just having first hand experience of someone creating a storyboard from a script was amazing to watch. All my niche questions were answered. I’ve learned so much. Thank you so much Netflix! Also to my mentor.”
“I’m happy to have had the pleasure to connect with other artists; they have been very encouraging and have also helped me push myself. Throughout the mentorship, I gained a greater understanding of how to push storytelling, acting, staging, & composition within my storyboards.”
Application Process
Who Should Apply
Veterans interested in an animation career
Veterans with some industry experience (independent or corporate) yet who wish to explore new career opportunities.
Veterans with drive, exploratory mind-set, and ready to collaborate with good nature.
NOTE: All Veterans and active duty members are welcome to apply - you do NOT have to be a member of VME to apply.
Application Criteria
Veterans of the US Military (former Active Duty, Reserves or National Guard).
Members currently serving in the US Military on Active Duty, Reserves or National Guard.
PLEASE READ ALL APPLICATION CRITERIA BELOW BEFORE APPLYING
IMPORTANT DATES
APPLICATION OPENS: March 8, 2022
APPLICATION CLOSES: 5pm, Thursday March 24, 2022
MENTEES NOTIFIED OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE AND MENTOR PAIRING VIA EMAIL: April 4, 2022
PROGRAM RUNS: April 11 and runs through July 29, 2022
APPLICATION OVERVIEW & REQUIREMENTS
This is a digital submission process . Please note your application must include the following:
Contact Information
Military Service Summary (100-200 words)
Education
Statement of Intent - Please attach a 1-2 page document (PDF) that answers the following questions: Who are you (a short personal bio)? Why do you want to be a part of the mentorship program? What are your goals for the program? What are you looking for in a mentor? What are your overall career goals? What animation experience do you have (if any)?
Portfolio Website -Link to your website or creative portfolio if you have one
LinkedIn Profile Link
VMEConnect Profile link. Please make sure your bio and military experience is filled out.
Please see below the various fields you can apply for in the Neflix program:
Informational - Mentorship will cover Art, Story, CG, Writing, and Production Management. Overall goal is to give mentees a solid understanding of jobs in the industry and advice on what is needed to land those jobs.
Production Management - Jobs include PA, production coordinator, production manager, etc. Overall goal is to learn the animation production pipelines, management soft skills, and create a resume tailored to work in production management.
Writing - Jobs include script coordinator, writing assistant, staff writer. Overall goal is to create (or uplevel) a professionally styled writing sample.
Story - Jobs include storyboard revisionist and storyboard artist. Overall goal is to build on foundational skills and begin creating (or uplevel) a professionally styled portfolio.
Art - Jobs include visual development, character/prop design, background design/paint. Overall goal is to build on foundational skills and begin creating (or uplevel) a professionally styled portfolio.
CG/3D - Jobs include modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, previs, etc. Overall goal is to build on foundational skills and begin creating (or uplevel) a professionally styled reel.
CG Technical Directing - Careers in animation tech, engineering and programming. Overall goal is to build on foundational skills and begin creating (or uplevel) a professionally styled reel.
