About the Guild

The Animation Guild is Local 839 of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE).

What We Are

We are a labor organization that represents animation and visual effects artists. We do for our members what every labor organization does: negotiate wage minimums and working conditions, provide pension and health benefits (specifically through the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan) and act as an advocate for our members over disputes between employees and employers. Our goal is to provide a seamless cloak of benefits and the strength of a collective voice to our members across the animation industry.

Grant Classes


Skills Training Grant Reimbursement Program

For the 2013-2014 grant year, the Contract Services Administration Training Trust Fund (CSATTF) has approved reimbursement grants for qualified members of the Animation Guild to take classes at seven of the best schools for animation and CG training.

The grants will reimburse for two-thirds of the cost of classes taken at the following schools:

The grants are for classes that begin between February 1, 2013 and January 31, 2014.

To qualify, you must have worked at least thirty days under the Guild’s jurisdiction in the two years previous to the date the class begins. You must apply for and be accepted for the grant before the class begins, and no more than ninety days in advance. (In other words, if you are approved and subsequently postpone taking the class, you will have to re-apply.) You will have to submit paystubs and/or a letter from your current or past employers to CSATTF to prove your ninety days’ employment. This is a reimbursement grant, so you will have to pay the class fee in full in advance. Upon completing the class after grant approval, you will apply to the CSATTF to receive two-thirds reimbursement.

All questions regarding CSATTF grants should be directed to:

Kimberly Kemp, Training Programs Administrator
Contract Services Administration Training Trust Fund (CSATTF)
2800 Winona Avenue (between Hollywood Way & San Fernando)
Burbank, CA 91504
phone (818) 847-0040 ext. 1260
fax (818) 847-0048


Animation Mentor

ANIMATION MENTOR’s online character animation classes have been designed by industry professionals. Their program is a “real world” curriculum that is deep-rooted in what industry recruiters and studios are looking for in animation talent. This is an online program, providing the freedom to attend class and perform homework assignments at your convenience. The curriculum consists of six sequential classes, each offering 118 hours of instruction.

School contacts: (877) 326-4628 [curriculum and registration]; Amiko Foster, (510) 450-7232 [administration]

Grant application [ Download PDF ]


Concept Design Academy

CONCEPT DESIGN ACADEMY is a private design school located at 55 Waverly Drive in Pasadena. They are committed in establishing a community where artists with passions for both traditional & entertainment arts can meet to develop their skills together. Their goal is to strive in providing the best art and design instruction available.

Contact them at (818) 669-4657 or by email at contact@conceptdesignacad.com.

Grant application [ Download PDF ]


fxphd

fxphd is an online vfx, production and post-production training program led by professionals. They offer both application and craft-based courses, online forums for feedback, and vpn software. Students have access to the high quality footage from fxphd shoots as well as other effects material, such as traditional 2D animation and advanced multi-pass 3D render.

Students can download a wide variety of software over the fxphd VPN. They can obtain licensing to run full versions of software packages such as Nuke, Maya, Smoke on Mac (with no 30-day trial limitation), Mocha, and more. These copies are for non-commercial use and can be used for educational purposes and to build shots for their demo reel.

For further information, go to the fxphd website.

Grant application [ Download PDF ]


Gnomon School of Visual Effects

GNOMON SCHOOL OF VISUAL EFFECTS, located at 1015 N Cahuenga Blvd. in Hollywood, is an accredited training institution, that offers artistic and technical training for careers in the visual effects and animation industries.

Contact them at (323) 466-6663 or admissions@gnomonschool.com.

Grant application [ Download PDF ]


iAnimate

iANIMATE.NET is a complete set of online workshops designed to target all your animation needs. All the assignments are specifically designed to target the troublesome areas that even we as professional animators go through on a daily basis. iAnimate allows you to begin your animation studies at the right level for your current skills.

Contact Jason Ryan for further details.

Grant application [ Download PDF ]


LA Valley College IDEAS Workshop

LA VALLEY COLLEGE IDEAS WORKSHOP: The Institute for Developing Entertainment Arts and Studios (IDEAS) offers classes on the campus of Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave. in Valley Village. The IDEAS Workshop serves those already in the entertainment industry, from the entry-level worker to the seasoned professional in addition to students, by providing the required information resources, training, and technical assistance.

School contact: Dan Watanabe or Casey Bernay, (818) 947-2453

Grant application [ Download PDF ]


Studio Arts

STUDIO ARTS is the premier learning center for professional-level CG skills training for motion pictures and television. They offer classes in everything from Maya, Nuke, Rhino and ZBrush to Photoshop, After Effects and Illustrator, as well as other programs and disciplines. Their classes are offered at 570 West Avenue 26 in Los Angeles.

School contact: Eric Huelsman, (323) 227-8776

Grant application [ Download PDF ]


Sherm Cohen: Toon Boom Storyboard Pro

SHERM COHEN is a member working as a storyboard artist at various union studios. He’s also a Toon Boom certified product Master and Trainer who will be teaching the the class. Each class will include two days of focused training in the skills and techniques that are required by studios seeking storyboard artists.

We are offering two class sessions in 2013 that can hold 10 students each and will be held in the Guild’s meeting hall. The first session will be held on March 23rd and 24th and the second session will be held in September. The class carries the same participation restrictions as the other Grant classes. Registration for the class requires approval from CSATTF and a $75 class fee payable to The Animation Guild.

Extensive Toon Boom training of this nature can’t be found at this price. With the prevalence of Toon Boom in the workplace toady, we’re excited to make this opportunity available to the membership. Members interested in taking the class should first contact Steve Kaplan to sign up and start the registration process.

Grant application [ Download PDF ]

For details on classes, contact the schools directly; for information on the grants, contact Kimberly Kemp at CSATTF (above) or Steve Kaplan or Jeff Massie at the Animation Guild.