Freefolk Announces Return of 'Futurefolk' Internship Scheme

Soho-based VFX studio Freefolk has announced the second annual Futurefolk competition, their initiative to nurture and inspire the next generation of VFX talent.

Freefolk’s mission is to spot talent from all VFX disciplines and, following on from last year’s launch amidst conversation of diversity and equality within the industry, the placement will again result in one female and one male winning an internship. The competition is open to all VFX students - pre and post graduate, so whether you’re a budding 3D Supervisor or a superstar comper, you need to compile a two minute reel of your best work to be in with a chance of winning a one-month paid work placement. 

If your work makes the grade you’ll be invited in to meet the Freefolk team and have chance to convince them that you are the right person to win a paid placement, having the opportunity to be involved in both TV and commercial projects. 

One of last year’s winners, the first Futurefolk intern, Emily Fung, a Computer Visualisation and Animation student from Bournemouth University, is now working as a full time VFX artist as a direct result of the programme. 

Emily has this to say: “I learnt about the Freefolk internship through my university, I consider it a crucial stepping stone along my career path into the industry. During my time at the studio, I developed essential communication skills and an appreciation of a collaborative workplace environment. 

My time at Freefolk was highly enjoyable, alongside the development of these fundamental skills, I was also provided the opportunity to work on a variety of high quality, real-world advertisements. I would recommend this opportunity to any aspiring VFX artists, hoping to branch into the industry, this experience has given me the confidence in my abilities and has enabled me to pursue a career in CG.” 

Freefolk managing director, Vittorio Giannini, commented “We all know how important it is to discover the VFX experts of the future and this initiative allows us to find the talent and nurture it. Last year we had two excellent interns and I’m looking forward to see who makes it through this year.” 

With the growing need for VFX, the shortage of artists is steadily increasing and gaining workplace experience is invaluable. Neil Hatton, chief executive, UK Screen Alliance explains, “The increasing demand for VFX in film, TV and commercials has created a global shortage of people with the right skills. Whilst there are some good graduate courses feeding in new talent, students that have meaningful work experience are at an advantage. This paid internship from Freefolk sounds like a great opportunity for someone to gain valuable insights of the workings of a busy studio which will really kick-start their career.”

Deadline for submissions is midnight on May 19th. You can apply to Futurefolk via their website.