Five local animation and visual effects trainees will take part in the inaugural Screen NSW Animation and VFX Trainee Placement Pilot Program, a new $100,000 initiative designed to develop career pipelines in the industry, with Australian animation studio, Animal Logic, and visual effects studio, Cutting Edge.
The pilot program will provide skills development, mentorship and training for five NSW-based emerging professionals in the fast expanding local animation and VFX industry.
Head of Screen NSW, Grainne Brunsdon said the animation and VFX industry continues to expand in NSW and the program will support the homegrown talent pool in the creative and technical area of digital production, while ensuring the NSW industry maintains its competitive edge worldwide.
“Screen NSW is thrilled to team-up with some of the best players in animation and VFX to create strong career pathways for emerging local talent who will learn from leaders in their field, and develop the skills needed to meet the global demand for NSW’s digital know-how.
“We know these five talented trainees will go from strength to strength as they embark on a highly-skilled and exciting career in the NSW film industry, and I can’t wait to see their names on the end credits of a NSW-made film in the future,” said Ms Brunsdon.
Animal Logic’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Sharon Taylor said “This incredible program, available through Screen NSW, sees us welcoming Lauren Bartie, Robbie Beresford, Nina Rokhatova, and Vella Tudor-Brown to Animal Logic. These talented trainees will be immersed in all aspects of our animation studio, creating endless opportunities for them to develop their skillset alongside our world class team of filmmakers. We thank the NSW Government for supporting the development of talent and growth of the Animation industry here in NSW.”
Marcus Bolton, Head of Features & Television, Cutting Edge, said “We are honoured to partner with Screen NSW on this pilot scheme. We always welcome any support for our amazing industry. Charles was selected as part of the VFX Trainee Placement Program to assist with current and upcoming projects on the floor and has hit the ground running, learning the ins and outs of production. This scheme has provided us with an amazing applicant that has already had time within the industry but wanted to broaden his scope of skills. This made him the perfect fit for us at Cutting Edge."
The NSW Government is contributing up to $20,000 towards employment costs for each trainee to undertake their six-month placement in a creative or technical field with Animal Logic or Cutting Edge. The placement will provide real working experience in film, television and interactive projects, and trainees will be considered by their host organisation for permanent positions upon completion of the program.
The emerging professionals selected for Screen NSW’s 2021 Animation and VFX Trainee and Placement Pilot Program are:
Lauren Bartie – Animal Logic
Lauren is a Rigging Artist based in Sydney and graduate of Bachelor of Media (Screen & Sound Production) at UNSW. In 2020 Lauren completed a Master of Visualisation and Animation at UTS Animal Logic Academy, specialising in rigging.
Robbie Beresford – Animal Logic
Robbie is a Junior Rigging Artist with an Advanced Diploma in Animation and Visualisation and graduated with a Masters of Animation and Visualisation at Animal Logic Academy. With broad skills and knowledge of the industry, Robbie enjoys the process of finding the most efficient and cleanest solution for animators and the pipeline.
Charles Hart – Cutting Edge
Charles is a graduate of Visual Arts and Graphic Design at the University of Wollongong and 3D Animation and VFX at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Sydney. Charles completed work experience with Animal Logic for Peter Rabbit 2.
Vella Tudor-Brown – Animal Logic
Vella has a Diploma in Screen and Media at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment and enjoys everything about the screen industry.
Nina Rokhatova – Animal Logic
Nina is a software engineer with a strong passion for filmmaking. Since getting her Bachelor of Science in IT from Moscow State University of Railway Engineering in 2013, Nina has gained skills and experience in various areas from IT support to full-stack web development, working in Australia and Russia. This taught Nina to write code, solve real world problems and create opportunities for others.
Image 1. Courtesy of Animal Logic . L-R Laura Bartie, Vella Tudor-Brown, Robbie Beresford, Nina Rokhatova and Sharon Taylor.
Image 2. Courtesy of Cutting Edge. L-R Marcus Bolton, Charles Hart.