Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pilot Pre-Production Program (4P)?

The Pilot Pre-Production Program is a talent training program designed to simulate the studio standard production pipeline including formal hands-on mentorship to increase artist experience and readiness to be hired in the animation industry. 

Has AIA done something like this before?

This is a new program being developed by AIA, a similar program to create an animated short film was conducted in Summer 2024, see more here.

What are the 2024 Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program dates?

Phase 1, "Writing" & Development will run 12 weeks from the week of 9/29/24 - 12/14/24.

Phase 2, "Pre-Production" will run 16 weeks from January to May 2025.

​Who can apply to the Pilot Pre-Production Program?

This program is only open to registered AIA members of Asian descent. We encourage those of all experience levels to apply, especially those who are looking to gain industry experience.

Can I apply to this program if I am a part of the AIA volunteer team?

Yes! However, understand that this is not considered part of your volunteer duties.

Is there any cost to participate in the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?

No. This is an unpaid program, but also a free-to-participate program. 

This program is meant to be like a fellowship training program or course to mimic the standard 2D TV pipeline for educational purposes. 

It is being run by industry professionals with consulting by senior-level industry professionals.

​As an Asian animation professional, I'm interested in joining this program, but I'm not currently an AIA member. If I apply to become a member now, would I still be eligible for the program? 

Yes. Upon completion and submission of the AIA membership form, you will meet the eligibility criteria to participate in the program: http://bit.ly/aiadirectory 

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Is the Pilot Pre-Production Program open to candidates who reside outside of the United States?

Yes. This program is completely virtual, and we welcome all candidates regardless of your location. It is the responsibility of each applicant to participate in meetings according to your time zone.

What is the story/art style?

See About. 

When does the application period open and close?

• Phase 1 "Writing" closes on September 25th, 2024

• Phase 2 Applications will open mid-October. 

• We will look to staff production and leadership positions by end of October 2024

• We will look to staff the remaining crew in November & December 2024.

How many positions can I apply for?

You are welcome to apply for multiple positions, however, we will only consider you for only one position based on what we believe aligns best with your skills and what you can contribute to the production. Please be clear about your preferences. You may be asked to help other departments once your work is complete, should the need arise.

What is the application process for 4P?

1. Review the program details available on our website, including position descriptions and requirements.

2. Complete and submit your application through the provided AirTable link. Also, the application form does not auto-save so write your answers on a separate document before filling it out.

3. Read and agree to the Program Participation Agreement document linked on the application form. By submitting your application, you agree to abide by the terms outlined in this document.

4. Once your application has been screened, selected candidates may undergo a virtual screening process. This interview will allow us to further assess your eligibility for the role. Alternatively, leads may reach out with additional questions or requests.

5. When the review process is completed, selected participants will receive an email from AIA. This email will confirm your acceptance into the program and include any additional details or instructions.

6. Failure to complete the required onboarding tasks will forfeit your participation in the program, and we will move applicants off the waitlist.

What are portfolio requirements for applying to this program?

Applicants for artistic roles are required to provide a portfolio website link showcasing a minimum of 3 to 5 relevant work examples corresponding to their chosen position. Alternatively, we will provide an optional brief test that applicants can complete in addition to a portfolio. 

For non-artistic roles, candidates can optionally submit production planning documentation or samples demonstrating organizational proficiency.

​Does this program require previous experience? 

No industry experience is required, however we are looking for applicants who already have a strong understanding of how their artwork can be applied to an animation production pipeline. We are not currently seeking to train beginners. Refer to the position descriptions for the role you're interested in in order to get a better idea of the requirements and expectation. Applicants will be reviewed based on their form answers, resumes, and portfolios, if applicable.

Which software programs are recommended for the 4P?

We are planning to use Google Suite (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Chat, Tables, Sites, Calendar, etc.) for files and communication, and encourage participants to download the Google Chat and Google Calendar mobile apps, and Google Drive for desktop apps, as well as using or creating a Gmail account.

Artists will likely have to provide their own software, but we are open to using free or low-cost versions of softwares, so long as they are compatible with the standard formats of the end product.

Examples of Softwares:

Final Draft, Photoshop, Toom Boom Storyboard Pro, Procreate, Krita, Storyboarder (Wonder Unit), AirTable, Premiere, DaVinci, Audacity, etc.

If you don't have access to any of these programs, you can find free resources available to you here: https://bit.ly/aia-lab-freesoftwares

What kind of workload can I expect during the 4P Production Program? 

Participants can expect a workload around 10-20 hours a week, which may vary depending on the role and time of the pipeline. 

Availability for the entire duration of your role (see schedule, and you will be provided with approximate dates through onboarding) is required, although daily work schedules may vary depending on the department. 

Participants are discouraged from working overtime and are expected to communicate with the production management staff to determine delivering work at a healthy and sustainable pace.

Approximate assignments per role (will vary based on role and hiring, to be updated post-script):

Script Writers: 5-10 pages per writer, 2 weeks per draft

Board Team: 1-2 sequences/3-5 pages per artist, 3 weeks per phase (thumbs/cleans)

Design Team: 1-4 designs per artist per week for 3 weeks, 3-12 designs total

Edit Team: 5-10 minutes of edited animatic per 2 weeks, 3 rounds

What is the time commitment/What if I have a full-time job?

• We aim to be accessible to those with full-time jobs and similar commitments, and will work to schedule meetings based on participant availability. 

• However, availability may affect placement based on the majority of the participants schedules.

• We hope to provide an asynchronous option for many meetings and reviews if participant can't attend a particular meeting, however, participants should make attending meetings when possible a priority.

• If there are times where you cannot make meetings, you will be expected to catch up on what was missed, and still submit feedback/work if expected by your role. Another participant may be assigned to step up to fill your role temporarily, or, in cases of recurring absences, permanently.

What happens if I am not able to fulfill the duties expected of my role during the Pilot Pre-Production Program?

If you fail to fulfill the tasks expected of you while during the program, you may not receive credit on the final product, and may be asked to leave the program.

How will the team communicate with each other once accepted in the program?

The team will communicate with each other through Google Chat, Meet, Email, and Discord.

Will a film screening take place in person or virtually?

To be announced. Our team will look to find studios and locations to host a physical screening, but will also be looking to plan a virtual screening.

What are the social media platforms the film is going to be uploaded to?

The film will be uploaded to all of AIA’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

What will you do with the end product?

We are planning to circulate it on AIA's social and YouTube channels, as an example of the product we made and educational opportunities we are working to provide. We may arrange a virtual or in-person screening and invite non-participant industry members or stakeholders. 

We are not currently planning to sell, fully produce, or enter the product into any type of competition, however, if such opportunity comes up, we will consult with project leadership on best next steps. 

We may create marketing materials or small merchandise based on the product, with all proceeds going back to AIA's non-profit funding for future initiatives.

Will there be future versions of this? Can I Showrun/Produce?

The hope is that we will continue to run future versions of this program or similar initiatives and open applications to AIA members for all positions including leadership for the production.

Can I use my work in my portfolio/socials? What will be shared publicly/when?

Yes! After the completion of the program/with leadership go ahead, the main goal of the program is to give people simulated industry experience and build their portfolios with a chance to get multiple rounds of feedback/notes on their work. All work should contain proper and clear credit of who worked on which aspects, as well as reference back to the organization.

We will share both the final products as well as production material (such as breakdowns, notes, schedules, etc.) to serve as education on the AIA and/or 4P sites after completion of the program.

Who owns the IP and materials created?

For any ideas pitched, if they are not used, rights revert back to original author. See https://bit.ly/aia-prodprog-agreement for more details.