EM Animation Studios is proud to present the Autism Enlightenment Library, the first collection of intellectual property currently in development at the studio! These animated shorts are created by our autistic graduate artists, who share their personal stories to illustrate the wide range of funny, scary, frustrating, sad, and relatable experiences that vary from one autistic individual to the next. Autism affects each person differently, and through these shorts, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse ways autism can manifest. One of the many aspects of creating an animated short is, of course, voiceover recording! Artists Jacob Lenard, Ryan Oldis, (instructor) Alyssa Maxwell Zelman, and Guest Animation Supervisor/director Chris Bailey headed to Dan Lenard’s The Voice Over Body Shop to record the voiceovers for Jacob’s project, Too Many Options. This story offers viewers a relatable ‘aha’ moment to empathize with the main character’s struggles. We’re excited to show you the final project (in a few months!) and share more behind the scenes content on creating an animated short, from conception to completion.
Exceptional Minds
Non-profit Organizations
Sherman Oaks, CA 4,314 followers
Nonprofit academy and studio training young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in the digital arts.
About us
Exceptional Minds is an academy and studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming and other related fields in the entertainment industry. We provide technical and work readiness training customized to help students achieve their full artistic and professional potential. Exceptional Minds is comprised of a vocational academy, post graduate program, and professional post-production studios. Our Vision To build a future where the neurodiverse perspectives of artists on the autism spectrum are vital to the advancement of our shared goal for a more empowered and inclusive society.
- Website
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https://exceptional-minds.org/
External link for Exceptional Minds
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Sherman Oaks, CA
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2009
- Specialties
- Visual Effects and Animation, Autism , Secondary Education , Adobe Training, vocational training, work readiness, neurodiversity, 3D Gaming, and Animation
Locations
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Primary
14144 Ventura Blvd, Suite 100
Suite 100
Sherman Oaks, CA 91360, US
Employees at Exceptional Minds
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Marcel Valcarce
Creative Pro // Problem Solver // Story Teller // Educator
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David Siegel
Executive Director (CEO) at Exceptional Minds
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Chris Bailey
Supervising Director/Animation Director/Development
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Susan Capps
Market Access Executive | Molecular Diagnostics & Biopharmaceutical Industries | Board Member - Non-Profit
Updates
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Comedy for the neurodiverse! This Wednesday, September 11 at The Laugh Factory.
9 days until we LET IT OUT‼️ Spectrum Laboratory’s INHERITING WONDERLAND has wrapped, but the show’s digital set designer/#animator Faith Butterfield continues her hot streak! Faith is the poster #artist behind LET IT OUT! at Laugh Factory #hollywood on 9/11/24 at 6 pm. (Beautiful work, Faith!) Join us for this #comedy extravaganza that stars both #neurodivergent and #neurotypical #performers. We promise a safe and hilarious experience for all! Special thanks to big cheeses Rob Kutner and Mike Rotman for creating this opportunity for and with Autism In Entertainment❣️ Buy tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gqDqaRJ6 See Faith’s #art here. 👇👇👇
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Thank you Corporate Star Awards for naming Exceptional Minds as a finalist for Best Charity alongside other admirable organizations!
🏆 BEST CHARITY / CSR INITIATIVE Our finalists have been announced for the 2024 Corporate Star Awards. Join us on 13 September to find out who will take home this award at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam. This award will recognise organisations that are committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and are passionate about making a difference to communities and societies. Tickets and tables are available to book here: https://lnkd.in/e_ehZVNP EMG / Gravity Media | Exceptional Minds | Harmonic | Videndum Production Solutions
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We're #hiring a new HR Manager (People and Culture) in Los Angeles, California. Apply today or share this post with your network.
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Thank you Corporate Star Awards for naming Exceptional Minds as a finalist for the 'Best Campaign to Improve Training and Education!' We're honored to be listed amongst other organizations championing for education and training to support future generations in the workforce. Looking forward to the 2024 Corporate Star Awards on September 13!
🏆 BEST CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE TRAINING AND EDUCATION Our finalists have been announced for the 2024 Corporate Star Awards. Join us on 13 September to find out who will take home this award at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam. Skills and training are vital to help both business and individuals progress and develop. This award rewards organisations who are actively supporting education and training to secure the future for individuals, whether in the form of apprenticeships, grants, in-house training, or wider community projects. Tickets and tables are available to book here: https://lnkd.in/e_ehZVNP [ AV Educate ] | Avid | ClimateEQ | Cuez by TinkerList.tv | EMG | Exceptional Minds | Final Pixel Academy | #GALSNGEAR | Globo | Irdeto | Proximus Media House (PMH) | Rise Women In Broadcast |
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We're so honored to have received the PBATS 2024 "Ability Transcends Challenges Award!" This award, in collaboration with the National Down Syndrome Society, recognizes and honors businesses in Major League Baseball cities that have "demonstrated exceptional commitment to championing disability employment." From our Executive Director, David Siegel: "At Exceptional Minds we envision a future where our community of autistic artists are not only included in the workforce, but also feel that they truly belong. Knowing that NDSS brought our organization to PBATS is especially gratifying. When our organizations work together to break down barriers we get one step closer to making our shared vision a reality. Awards like this one exemplify the growing understanding that people with disabilities have unique perspectives, skills and real-world experiences that make all of our lives more meaningful. Thank you for this recognition."
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Isabella is one of our incredible full-time graduates from the Class of 2024! Check out her work here: https://lnkd.in/g8QWsBiY Interested in taking a class at Exceptional Minds, but not quite sure if the full-time program is right for you? That's why we created our part-time workshops for students ages 14+. All of our courses are designed specifically for artists on the autism spectrum, preparing you for a career in the digital arts! At Exceptional Minds, we believe in nurturing every student's unique talents and providing a supportive environment where creativity can flourish. Learn more about our part-time programs and register at https://lnkd.in/gRdz9qpg
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Congratulations to EM graduate Matthew and current EM student Angela for graduating from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy GOLD program yesterday! Academy GOLD is a global talent development and inclusion initiative that provides creative individuals of diverse backgrounds access and resources to achieve their career pathways in filmmaking. When our students and graduates succeed, we succeed. We're so grateful to share in the celebration of their accomplishments and to get closer to a future where neurodiverse talents and perspectives are vital to the advancement of our shared goal for a more empowered and inclusive society.
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We're #hiring a new VFX Production Manager in Los Angeles, California. Apply today or share this post with your network.
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We're hiring a Production Manager for our VFX Studio! The Production Manager will work in conjunction with the Director of Studio Programs, VFX to manage the daily operations of the EM Studio - directly managing the VFX Studio. The Production Manager organizes and expedites the flow of work within the VFX Studio and prepares production schedules /monitors the progress of all projects. Apply: https://lnkd.in/g2ecNJsS