As part of the Walt Disney Company’s Future Storytellers initiative, the company committed to a 1 million multi-year grant that will impact the scope of technology and curriculum of Exceptional Minds, the nonprofit, creative arts academy for young adults with autism.
“At Disney we recognize the importance of investing in skill-building opportunities when it comes to preparing youth for careers in storytelling,” said Jennifer Cohen, executive vice president of corporate social responsibility at the Walt Disney Company. “As part of our Disney Future Storytellers initiative, we’re honored to be able to work with Exceptional Minds to help neurodivergent talent build their technical and artistic abilities through their renowned academy and training studios.”
The announcement was revealed Oct. 22 at the Exceptional Minds “Decade of Impact” event, which took place in the Legends Plaza of the Walt Disney Studios lot, adjacent from the Team Disney Building’s colossal seven dwarves. Disney...
“At Disney we recognize the importance of investing in skill-building opportunities when it comes to preparing youth for careers in storytelling,” said Jennifer Cohen, executive vice president of corporate social responsibility at the Walt Disney Company. “As part of our Disney Future Storytellers initiative, we’re honored to be able to work with Exceptional Minds to help neurodivergent talent build their technical and artistic abilities through their renowned academy and training studios.”
The announcement was revealed Oct. 22 at the Exceptional Minds “Decade of Impact” event, which took place in the Legends Plaza of the Walt Disney Studios lot, adjacent from the Team Disney Building’s colossal seven dwarves. Disney...
- 10/24/2022
- by Katie Reul
- Variety Film + TV
In a little under four years, a pair of Exceptional Minds alumni have gone from students at the academy to working on some of the biggest summer blockbusters.
Isaiah Strum and Thomas Harmonson are just two of many artists who have flourished at the studio and academy. Based in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley, Exceptional Minds prepares young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation and beyond. It is a not-for-profit professional training academy and studio that comprises three areas of focus: 2D animation and art, 3D assets and gaming. Strum and Harmonson have budding careers at the studio, working on projects for clients including Marvel, Disney and Nickelodeon.
For Strum, a junior lead VFX artist, the studio has afforded the opportunity to work on projects he never thought possible. His proudest visual effects shot to date? “‘Avengers: End Game,’” Strum says. “I removed a lighting rig from Tony’s porch.
Isaiah Strum and Thomas Harmonson are just two of many artists who have flourished at the studio and academy. Based in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley, Exceptional Minds prepares young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation and beyond. It is a not-for-profit professional training academy and studio that comprises three areas of focus: 2D animation and art, 3D assets and gaming. Strum and Harmonson have budding careers at the studio, working on projects for clients including Marvel, Disney and Nickelodeon.
For Strum, a junior lead VFX artist, the studio has afforded the opportunity to work on projects he never thought possible. His proudest visual effects shot to date? “‘Avengers: End Game,’” Strum says. “I removed a lighting rig from Tony’s porch.
- 8/3/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
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