Freefolk launches Futurefolk initiative

VFX studio Freefolk has launched the fourth of its annual Futurefolk competitions, which aim to kick start the careers of the next generation of VFX talent.

Futurefolk offers a one month paid internship within Freefolk’s commercials as well as its film and episodic divisions, in either the 2D or 3D department.

The initiative is open to all VFX students – pre- and post-graduate. To enter, you need to compile a two-minute reel of your best work and get it over to Freefolk.

Two VFX students will then be selected to meet the Freefolk team where they can pitch their work and, if successful, they will then be offered the one month work placement.

This year’s placement will be either remote, at the studio, or a combination of both.

Freefolk managing director Vittorio Giannini said: “We all know how crucial it is to discover the VFX experts of the future and this initiative allows us to find the talent and nurture it. Covid and remote working has had a major impact on entry level and junior artists. The development and career progression of this group has been stalled so through Futurefolk and our existing junior staff, it’s our duty to do all we can to reverse this.”

Neil Hatton, chief executive, UK Screen Alliance, adds: “The demands of content creators are really ramping up as we exit the pandemic and so the need to grow the VFX workforce with highly skilled and talented people is ever more important. Freefolk’s paid internship programme is the ideal opportunity for someone to get a foot in the door and gain the experience they need to build a rewarding career in VFX”.

The deadline for submissions is midnight 1 August 2020. Applications should be made via the Freefolk website.