Computer Graphics World

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT unique and dedicated creative, technical, and pro- duction staff," says Anderson. The company evaluates and develops the career paths of its employees, as well as offers work-experience placements, intern- ships, and one-to-one mentoring. "I meet with new creative talent on a regular ba- sis to help establish career aspirations, provide feed- back on progress, and set goals," Anderson adds. The Mentoring Program within The Mill's 2D and 3D departments matches runners and junior staff with a senior member of the team. "We also work with individual teams to establish and deliver inter- nal training, including online tutorials via Escape Stu- dios or fxphd and Bespoke 2D, 3D, and production training to all members of staff," Anderson adds. The studio also established peer-based learning sessions, which employees host and peers attend, on such topics as MEL scripting, Python, ZBrush (Pixologic), and Nuke. It is exceedingly clear that a combination of tradition- al and modern training tools and techniques deliver the biggest benefits to working artists and the studios that employ them—not to mention the audiences ea- ger to take in and be awed by the latest and greatest VFX, animated films, and challenging games. There's a host of talent out there, and they are get- 14 • Education Supplement • October/November 2011 Mentoring and education are integral at Tiny Island Produc- tions (top) and neighboring CG Protégé Animation School (middle). Tiny Island artists worked on , a CGI film to premiere on Cartoon Network in 2012. ting better all the time—thanks in large part to the studios where they work. Courtney E. Howard is a contributing editor for Computer Graphics World. She can be reached at cehoward@twitchinc.net. B en 10: Destr o y A ll A liens

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