captain’america:’civil’war, … · 13400 riverside drive, ste. 211, sherman oaks, ca 91423...
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13400 Riverside Drive, Ste. 211, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818.387.8811
www.ExceptionalMindsStudio.org
A N o n - P r o f i t V o c a t i o n a l C e n t e r & A n i m a t i o n S t u d i o
F o r Y o u n g A d u l t s O n t h e A u t i s m S p e c t r u m Introduction to our school and working studio: Exceptional Minds (EM) is a nonprofit vocational school and working studio that prepares young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in digital animation and visual effects. The first and only school of its kind, EM is a dynamic answer to the high unemployment and social isolation characteristic of today’s young adults with ASD as they age out of the public school system. We provide customized instruction in visual effects and digital animation along with a work readiness curriculum to prepare this underserved population for lifelong careers. Our full-‐time, three-‐year vocational program offers a crucial bridge between high school and meaningful employment by building on the strengths of these individuals. EM also offers private tutoring, small group instruction, and summer workshops. Why EM is different: We are totally focused on meaningful employment for individuals on the autism spectrum. We teach our students the specialized technical skills that are highly sought after in digital post-‐production. EM operates a professional studio (EMS) to provide visual effects and computer animation services to the motion picture industry, allowing graduates to work in paid positions while honing their skills for outside employment. EM’s close relationship with the entertainment industry has provided our graduates with work experience on high-‐profile projects, including Captain America: Civil War, Ant-‐Man, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Game of Thrones, and Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2. We have also created original animation for Sesame Street and other clients. The Exceptional Minds philosophy: We strive to instill in our students lifelong problem solving and the social skills necessary for them to become self-‐sufficient, productive members of society. The EM program embraces person-‐centered learning, and incorporates individual strengths and interests. We have a strong Job Placement program that includes individually placing graduates in the right job and preparing that workplace for a successful transition. Students from all walks of life are welcomed at EM. We recognize that autism has no geographic, economic, or racial/ethnic boundaries. EM is committed to creating a world in which individuals with ASD are recognized for their talents and abilities and can work successfully in their chosen profession. Exceptional Minds develops working professionals: EM graduates go on to careers in the digital arts fields, either as employees for outside companies or on contract for the Exceptional Minds Studio. At EM, we realize that employment is the gateway to independence, stability and self-‐esteem for people in general and especially true for those with autism. Every student who walks through our doors is given the training and tools necessary to begin a lifelong journey of accomplishment, confidence and self-‐discovery. Join us in their journey to success!
A N o n - P r o f i t V o c a t i o n a l C e n t e r & A n i m a t i o n S t u d i o
F o r Y o u n g A d u l t s O n t h e A u t i s m S p e c t r u m
QUICK FACTS ABOUT EM & Autism
• In 2009 Exceptional Minds is awarded its 501 (c) (3) non-‐profit status.
• In 2011 Exceptional Minds opens the doors to this one-‐of-‐a-‐kind program, welcoming nine first-‐year students.
• In 2012 part-‐time private tutoring is made available along with small group instruction and a robust summer workshop program.
• In 2013 Exceptional Minds moves to a new suite, tripling in size and increasing its student capacity.
• In 2014 Exceptional Minds graduates the first class from the three-‐year vocational program, changing the future for young adults with autism.
• In June of 2015 Exceptional Minds celebrates the second graduating class, placing two graduates in studio positions and opening its own in-‐house studio. Graduates work on more than a dozen movies including the blockbusters Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.
• By summer of 2016, with only five years in operation, EM provides customized education in the digital arts to over 200 children, teens and young adults and has 25 graduates. We are changing lives one frame at a time…
• Currently, for every three families wanting their young adults to attend our vocational academy, only one can be accepted. Lack of capacity due to funding is a reality.
THE CONSTITUENCY WE SERVE…
• Autism is the fastest-‐growing developmental disability in the U.S.
• More than 3 million Americans have an autism spectrum disorder.
• According to the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, about 1 in 68 children is being diagnosed with ASD.
• Lifetime care can cost $3.2 million.
• 90% of adults with autism are unemployed or under employed.
• Each year, 50,000 children with autism in the U.S. will turn eighteen and require adult services if they are not employed.
What people are saying about their experiences working with Exceptional Minds Studio:
“When I toured the EM School/Studio, I realized what a wealth of untapped potential existed in this extraordinary group of young adults.”
Victoria Alonso, EVP of Physical Production, Marvel Studios, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” “Not only incredible work and a pleasure, but every shot FINALLED on its first presentation! Thanks to you and the team of artists!”
Diana Giorgiutti, VFX Producer, Marvel Studios, “Ant-‐Man” “We now use the EM team for many of our VFX shots when we need a dependable, talented, economical team to help us complete a variety of projects at Stargate Studios. "
Sam Nicholson, CEO / VFX Supervisor, Stargate Studios
“A small but vital role played to perfection for Tim Burton. If only we’d heard about you earlier we’d’ve given you a lot more shots. Thank you so much!”
Hal Couzens, VFX Producer, “Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children”