This is an amazing opportunity to learn in a virtual studio environment which has been developed in partnership with Tom Box, Co-Founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio. The skillsXchange platform can give a group of artists a virtual experience of working in a studio. It replicates the functionality of professional tools similar to ShotGrid/Ftrack but stripped to the essentials, with added real-time chat and training built-in, it’s a one-stop-shop for the easy learning of soft skills and teamwork!
Successful applicants are given an example industry brief and tasked with responding as a team to create an animated short to real deadlines. They learn asset-centric workflows from concept to delivery, and are supported throughout by a Production Coordinator, Blender Technician, Employment Coach, plus mentoring and masterclasses with Blue Zoo artists.
The first pilot bootcamp in November 2021 was a resounding success, with 11 first-time artists creating a 30-second advert for an example brief in just 4 weeks. All participants surveyed said it extremely increased their confidence in applying for a job in the animation industry.
An artist on the first bootcamp said:
"I experienced a lot more than I'd ever have expected and the support was amazing! The bootcamp 100% increased my confidence to apply for an animation job, it gave me an insight and loads of confidence that I have a chance at gaining employment. I'd love another go!"
This is an intensive full-time learning opportunity. The second bootcamp runs from Monday 28th February to Friday 25th March, it is expected that participants will learn for 7 hours each day from Monday to Friday, and will be available between the core hours of 11am and 4pm on these days with the other hours to be worked to suit you.
This opportunity is open to 3D Animators aged over 18 who are resident in the UK and do not have professional studio experience. There is a short application form, a portfolio showcasing your animation skills must be submitted as part of the application process. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a technical task in Blender before being invited for a short interview with the skillsXchange team.
Find out more and apply by 2nd February here Blue Zoo x NextGen Virtual Animation Studio Bootcamp
The video below was produced by the first cohort of bootcampers in just 4 weeks using Blender!