Computer Graphics World

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT Artists at Digital Domain turned heads by contributing unique visual eff ects to . al training help to hone trainees' skills and prepare them for production work, says Sharon Chen, assis- tant CEO. "All these trainees typically already have pri- or computer graphics training but lack the expertise required for the highly specialized roles they are be- ing trained to take up in production." Employee Enrichment Digital Domain provides a range of training and enrichment programs that are production-focused through technical development and artistic stimu- lation, all designed to support employees in the creation of award-winning imagery, explains Linda Siegel, senior manager of training at the Venice, Cali- fornia, studio. "Training and continuing education are an important part of the culture at here. We of- fer programs that give our employees the tools they need to excel for years to come," she says. Training is delivered in the classroom and through pre-recorded courses taught by experts on a variety of topics—including proprietary software, tool sets, pipeline, and workfl ow—for all disciplines. Digital Domain has an extensive intranet with documenta- tion and videos that are accessible at any time by all employees, both artists and non-artists alike. The fa- cility also off ers training and documentation embed- ded within Digital Domain's proprietary applications, enabling the employees to expand their capabilities. Claire Anderson, talent manager at The Mill, along with human resources personnel, talent coordina- 8 • Education Supplement • October/November 2011 tors, and heads of department for each discipline, collectively pool their talents to create goals and targets for employees to meet in their own devel- opment. "This ensures that individuals receive the support they need to grow within our organization and provides a consistent fl ow of talent at all levels," Anderson affi rms. Talented Group The Studio Talent Group at Lucasfi lm includes in- structors, coaches, and subject-matter experts who deliver training and education to the employees of Industrial Light & Magic, LucasArts, and Lucasfi lm Animation. In fact, Lucasfi lm off ers employees the opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate across all its divisions in the US and Singapore. "Some of the industry's best and brightest cre- ative and technical talent make up the faculty of the Studio Talent Group, including Oscar winners, world-class artists, and innovators," describes Dani- elle O'Hare, program and operations manager of the Studio Talent Group at Lucasfi lm. Lucasfi lm's Studio Talent Group provides technical training, where students learn the latest information about the company's proprietary software and ven- dor packages from industry pioneers and experts. It also off ers online technical content hosted through an internal Learning Management System, where artists, designers, and engineers can identify best practices, develop technical skills, and acquire, dis- cover, and manage information. Not all the training, however, is focused solely on technology. The group conducts people develop- X -Men: F irst Class

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