Kickstart Production Internship Program
We have successfully wrapped up the first round of our new Kickstart Production Internship!
Why did we create this paid Internship?
This program was aimed to create an environment where Kickstart gives opportunities to those who are interested in starting a career in animation production. “We really wanted to help further remove any barriers and create an inclusive program for those who are interested in a career in the production side of animation.” - Reena, Director of Talent Acquisition & Community.
"This is not your typical internship. Be prepared to go beyond your expectations." - Michael, Line Producer.
“I come from a live-action background, and previously I had never even considered the possibility of working in animation. I assumed I’d have to suck it up and work on set, regardless of the compromise to my personal life/physical and mental health. But this internship has opened my eyes to a whole new world and industry, one in which I actually enjoy the tasks that I’m given, one that is stimulating and fun and rewarding! I love working in animation so much and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity to learn alongside such wonderful and talented people. Regardless of the pressures of production, this experience has been one in which I feel challenged yet supported. I truly feel that I’m allowed to make mistakes and learn from them, ask as many questions as I need to, and take breaks. Thank you to the Kickstart team for being the best!” - Soph, Production Intern
How did we create the Internship Program?
Our Director of Talent Acquisition & Community, Reena, worked with two of our Line Producers, Michael & Ashlynn, and worked collaboratively to create a new internship program. This was a collaborative initiative with the support of our entire Production Team to provide shadow sessions with the interns, meet and greets and guidance on how to help execute the program.
This program was designed to provide a thorough introduction to our production pipeline and valuable training that will help prepare them for a Junior Production Coordinator role. The beta Production Internship was built for the Fall/Winter 2022-2023 season with the goal to provide lots of opportunities for learning and adapting as the program progressed.
"Our training goes beyond the scope of their immediate roles. To really excel we must understand how we fit and function within a production and how all departments integrate and collaborate. Our Intern program goes above and beyond in this capacity." - Michael, Line Producer.
The Program
We had two interns, Hannah and Soph, who completed the program. The training consisted of of 12 weeks and followed the following framework:
Weeks 1-3 : Core skills / Community / Culture / Kickstart workflow & Pipeline overview.
Weeks 4-11 Shadow Production in various area / Attending sessions with Productions outside of current shadow
Week 12 : Supporting / Wrap up / Reflection / Final review
As our intern Hannah put it, “It's been a pleasure to be a part of the Production Internship at Kickstart. The last three months were a wonderful opportunity to learn, experience, and better understand the world of Animation Production. As a result of this experience, I feel better prepared and more excited than ever to continue working with the Kickstart team and develop my career!”
Line Producer, Ashlynn, who was one of our Program Trainers shared that “The Internship program was a complete success! Since everyone starts their Production career in the same spot - with a lot to learn! - I think the internship helped to expedite understanding of our pipeline workflow on a broader level. With hands-on training in various departments and on different projects, Hannah and Soph gained more experience than they would have in the same amount of time coordinating one department. It was an absolute pleasure working with both of them and I’m so excited for them to grow into their new roles as Jr Coordinators! <3”.
If you have questions about the program or when a future intake may be available, please feel free to connect with Reena.