Sep 2, 2022

Netflix Partners with Black 'N Animated for Animation Fund Program

Netflix is partnering with Black 'N Animated (BNA) for the next round of the Netflix Animation Foundation Program.

The Animation Foundation is a mentorship program that supports young artists and production workers from underrepresented communities, helping them prepare for a future working in the animation industry. Working with partner organizations across the industry, mentees are given the opportunity to curate portfolios and writing samples, build industry relationships, and attend skill-building workshops and lectures.

Mentorship in the program focuses on artistic and visual development, storyboarding, CG/VFX, scriptwriting, and production management. The goal of the program is to "build equity and increase access to underrepresented early creators."

For the third year of the program, approximately 50 mentees will be selected from among BNA members.

Black 'N Animated is a Los Angeles-based community-oriented organization dedicated to the growth and empowerment of Black students and professionals in the animation industry. The organization's efforts include the Black 'N Animated Podcast with hosts Bree Williams and Waymond Singleton. It also works closely with studios to promote networking and career development within the community.

To participate in this Netflix Animation Foundation Program, potential mentees must be a member of Black 'n Animated, at least 18 years old, and based in the United States. Interested candidates may apply through the Netflix Animation Foundation Program website.

The Netflix Animation Foundation Program was launched last year in partnership with LatinX in Animation and the organization Exceptional Minds. The inaugural program included 74 mentees and 19 Netflix mentors.

Earlier this year, a second edition was launched in partnership with Veterans in Media and Entertainment and Illuminative to identify and support candidates from the veteran and Native American and Alaska Native communities. 52 mentees participated, along with 22 Netflix Animation mentors.

Concurrent with today's announcement, Netflix provided an update on the "whereabouts" of some of last year's Foundation participants.

From Session 1 Animation's LatinX:

And from Session 1 Exceptional Minds: