Framestore Launches ‘Launchpad: PRO’ Course Initiative in Montréal

Pioneering creative studio and VFX specialist, Framestore, is embarking on a joint enterprise with Campus ADN to launch the Launchpad: PRO initiative, starting in Montréal. Framestore’s series of Launchpad: PRO courses have been developed to train students in industry-standard skills, with the first course offering focusing on 2D specific skills. Starting in October 2016, the course is fully funded by Framestore, and free of charge for the selected students.

The programme, developed by Montreal's Campus ADN, will be led by Senior Compositor Simon Pierre Puech, an appointed Framestore training supervisor. Across three months, Simon will provide hands-on training to encourage students to be employment ready. Alongside locations in London, New York and Los Angeles, Framestore have been based in Montréal since 2013. From an initial team of just 20, the facility now boasts around 300 employees, with plans to expand even further since taking on exclusive Montréal-based projects, including the upcoming Blade Runner prequel.

To encourage the continued and successful growth of Montréal's VFX community, the Launchpad: PRO initiative will ensure that candidates with aptitude are given high-level and relevant training, equipping them for employment within VFX. By training students in the application of artistry as well as in the specific competencies expected within a junior role, the courses will act as an accelerator for students. To qualify, applicants need an awareness of the VFX industry and have a good basic knowledge of Nuke. Those who pass the course will be offered a contract for an entry level role within Framestore.

Framestore are delighted to have collaborated with Campus ADN in this training partnership. Campus ADN have a track record of designing and running highly successful, vocational training within the games and digital media sector. Developed in collaboration with key Framestore creative and technical personnel, Campus ADN have designed and will administer a bespoke, in-house programme of training within Framestore's Montréal studio.

Isabelle Marazzani, Coordinator at Campus ADN, adds, “We’ve been hearing about the rising demand for artists locally for a while now and we are excited about this joint venture enabling us to provide real-world training within a highly specialised industry field. We are confident that Framestore will attract those with a real passion for working within the industry.”

Says Framestore’s Global Joint MD, Film, Matt Fox, “I am very pleased to be partnering with Campus ADN, who are well known in Montréal for excellent, industry-specific training for the digital sector. Framestore has a proud history of nurturing junior talent and watching them grow within the wider VFX industry. The BCTQ’s recently published workforce study on VFX and animation in Quebec highlights the "need to structure a continuing training offer aimed at developing the ability of companies to maintain world-class expertise” and in our Montréal course initiative we are leading the way in doing just that.”