26 October 2021
The NSW Government is partnering with leading VFX and animation studios to help launch the careers of emerging filmmakers through the 2022 Screen NSW Animation and VFX Traineeship Program with applications open now!
The program offers eight traineeships with leading VFX and creative digital studios Animal Logic, Cutting Edge, and Plastic Wax on board in 2022. The traineeships aim to develop career pipelines in NSW’s fast-growing VFX and animation sector. Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said the program will support the skills of local talent in digital production as NSW’s film industry continues to grow. “The NSW Government’s contribution of $160,000 to the Screen NSW Animation and VFX Traineeship Program will fund training and mentoring in a professional industry environment to ensure that NSW continues to develop its world-class VFX industry and talent,”
Mr Harwin said. “The NSW Government continues to invest in the screen production sector, from project development to post-production and visual effects with almost $100 million committed in 2020/21. With all our 2021 trainees securing ongoing work following their traineeships, this program will ensure a pool of talented emerging practitioners for both local and international animations and VFX productions.”
Plastic Wax’s General Manager and Executive Producer, Felix Crawshaw said the company is excited to be participating in this year’s program. “VFX and animation is truly a career you get to create, so we fully understand that this initiative is all about connecting young, talented and creative people with meaningful opportunities. We are eager to meet and inspire the 2022 group,” Mr Crawshaw said.
Animal Logic’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Taylor said the traineeship will once again benefit emerging artists, practitioners, and participating studios. “We were proud to see the 2021 trainees contribute to tasks within their teams, pick-up skills and develop their confidence over the six-month program. Congratulations to this year’s four trainees and we look forward to welcoming the next group in 2022,” Ms Taylor said.
Cutting Edge’s Head of Features and Television, Marcus Bolton said the program will help to connect upcoming talent with opportunities in the industry. “The spirit of this initiative is about connecting opportunities to talent. This year we were proud to find our inaugural trainee Charlie Hart, and now we are excited to open the door for another applicant to get a job at Cutting Edge in 2022. It is exactly what we envisaged the scheme would create,” Mr Bolton said.
Screen NSW will provide subsidies to the three NSW host companies to employ trainees in either a creative or technical field for paid, six-month placements. The placement will provide real working experience in film, television, and interactive projects with host companies. Applications are now open and will close Monday 29 November. For information and to apply, visit the Screen NSW website at www.screen.nsw.gov.au.
2021 participants
Lauren Bartie, Animal Logic trainee said “My rigging skills and industry knowledge have hugely improved throughout the duration of my traineeship at Animal Logic. I’ve learned so much in six months. The constant guidance and support from everyone in Animal Logic’s amazing rigging team really helped me develop and grow as a rigging artist. And I’d recommend the program to others.”
Robbie Beresford, Animal Logic trainee said “There are many great things that I really enjoyed during the traineeship with Animal Logic. This included learning how to read and write Python code, having exposure to being in an animation studio, and the ability to talk to other artists in my department when I needed help. Without a doubt, I recommend this opportunity.”
Charlie Hart, Cutting Edge trainee said “Working in VFX production at Cutting Edge gave me an insight into how a project goes from script to screen, weaving through a range of personnel, and departments. The best thing about working at Cutting Edge is sharing a floor with the VFX team and a bunch of other departments and immersing in a range of different projects at the same time. I’d highly recommend applying for the program if you’re looking to get started, or to further develop your skills in the VFX industry.”
Nina Rokhatova, Animal Logic trainee said “Following my internship, with Animal Logic I was very happy to receive an offer for ongoing work. My new role is the next step in the software engineering career, where I will help making bigger films and contribute to the design of new software features and services. I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in the film industry.”
Read the Media Release here.
