VES Education Initiative Resources
The VES Education Initiative is a long-term project committed to finding and creating avenues to expand the visual effects global talent pool, with a focus on attracting and investing in the untapped potential of diverse and often underrepresented communities. This includes finding raw talent and creating new opportunities for those currently employed in visual effects.
The VES Education Initiative Resources page will continue to grow and evolve, so please come back often to explore new content.
VES Members Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program
The VES Education Committee is now taking applications for both Mentors and Mentees to participate in the 2023 VES Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program.
We’re seeking mentors who want to make a real difference by helping someone along in their career path. And mentees who are looking for some career insights and guidance. This is a wonderful opportunity for VES members who want to transition their career, acquire new skills or simply get career advice by being paired with a seasoned VFX professional. We’re excited to connect VES members to help each other grow and succeed in this exciting industry.
The program, another unique, free benefit to VES members, will run from June through November 2023 with a time commitment of just 3 to 4 hours per month. Sign up now by clicking here to learn more, share your knowledge, and create richer connections within your global community (registration closes Friday, May 5th, 2023).
Is school outreach more your style? The VES Education Committee is looking for volunteers to provide presentations to high schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of VFX professionals. Contact Rose Duignan for more information.
All Mentors and Mentees must conform to the VES Code of Conduct.
Mentors and Mentees may be asked to participate in a virtual Happy Hour session twice during the program.
Presentations and Materials
This catalogue will continue to grow and evolve, so please come back often to explore new content.
Education, Internship and Mentorship Resources
Helpful links on locating educational and training resources for animation, visual effects and other entertainment-related industries.
Academy Gold Program (Los Angeles) – Contact in spring for summer paid internships. It is a 10-week paid professional internship that leads into their mentoring program. Studios pay to participate in this program.
Blizzard Entertainment (U.S.) – Blizztern Program gives students the opportunity to work directly with development teams and business operations departments to gain hands-on experience. For 12 paid weeks every summer, interns embed themselves with our teams to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the intensity and fun of creating epic entertainment. US internship application season runs from September to December every year.
Digital Domain (Vancouver, Montreal) – Those who intern will receive hands-on experience on groundbreaking projects, close mentorship with award-winning leaders in their field, and will walk away with refined skills needed to break into the industry. This is a paid internship and they offer three separate cohorts beginning on July 12th, August 16th and September 20th.
DreamWorks Feature & TV Animation (Los Angeles) – DreamWorks internships for Summer, Spring and Fall. Trainee program in Spring and Early Career Opportunities.
Framestore (Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York) – Framestore offers students the opportunity to work alongside their talented teams as part of their paid summer Internship. However, you will need the right to work for the location you are interested in.
Nickelodeon (Los Angeles) – Internship, Artist and Writing programs.
Sony Pictures (Los Angeles) – Intern and Training Programs
Walt Disney TV Animation (Los Angeles) – Offer internships/employment and summer internships. They have a formal internship program.
WarnerMedia (US and International) – Through best-in-class talent development programs, mentorship, placement opportunities and industry exposure, WarnerMedia Access serves as a powerful conduit connecting underrepresented Talent to our content and brands.
Employment Resources
Employment resources for staffing, job searches and industry studio links (job boards and career pages).
Resources – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
A global list of organizations that advocate diversity, equity and inclusion.