2025 2D Production Program Immersive Lab
Frequently Asked Questions
For any additional questions, please reach out to the AIA Communications Department at [email protected].
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
What is the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
The Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program is a month long talent incubator with workshops designed to simulate a formal hands-on production mentorship to increase artist experiences and readiness to be hired in the animation industry.
How is the 2025 Animation Industry Immersive Lab different from the 2024 one?
We have adjusted our schedule based on feedback from the 2024 participants. Instead of utilizing 9 days to create a film, the 2025 Lab had extended its length to one month.
Who can apply to the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
This program is only open to registered AIA members of Asian descent. We encourage artists of all experience levels to apply, especially artists who are looking to gain industry experiences.
Can I re-apply as a participant of last year’s program?
Yes. We encourage last year’s program participants to reapply. If you already have an application in our database, you do not have to create your application from scratch, there is a checkbox on the application page where you only have to submit your name and email.
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
Is the Immersive Lab Production Program open to candidates residing outside the United States?
Yes. As the program is conducted entirely online, we welcome applications from candidates worldwide. Applicants are expected to manage their participation in accordance with their respective time zones.
Is it mandatory for me to be available from 9 am to 6 pm Pacific Time every day, or can I attend the review sessions and work according to my time zone?
Yes. Participants are encouraged to be (largely) present for the entire duration of the program during the Pacific time zone to work with their designated mentors and peers.
What happens if I am not able to fulfill the duties expected of my role during the Immersive Lab Production Program week?
If you fail to fulfill the tasks expected of you while during the program, you will not receive credit on the final product, and are not eligible for refund on the participant fee.
The Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program is a month long talent incubator with workshops designed to simulate a formal hands-on production mentorship to increase artist experiences and readiness to be hired in the animation industry.
How is the 2025 Animation Industry Immersive Lab different from the 2024 one?
We have adjusted our schedule based on feedback from the 2024 participants. Instead of utilizing 9 days to create a film, the 2025 Lab had extended its length to one month.
Who can apply to the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
This program is only open to registered AIA members of Asian descent. We encourage artists of all experience levels to apply, especially artists who are looking to gain industry experiences.
Can I re-apply as a participant of last year’s program?
Yes. We encourage last year’s program participants to reapply. If you already have an application in our database, you do not have to create your application from scratch, there is a checkbox on the application page where you only have to submit your name and email.
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
Is the Immersive Lab Production Program open to candidates residing outside the United States?
Yes. As the program is conducted entirely online, we welcome applications from candidates worldwide. Applicants are expected to manage their participation in accordance with their respective time zones.
Is it mandatory for me to be available from 9 am to 6 pm Pacific Time every day, or can I attend the review sessions and work according to my time zone?
Yes. Participants are encouraged to be (largely) present for the entire duration of the program during the Pacific time zone to work with their designated mentors and peers.
What happens if I am not able to fulfill the duties expected of my role during the Immersive Lab Production Program week?
If you fail to fulfill the tasks expected of you while during the program, you will not receive credit on the final product, and are not eligible for refund on the participant fee.
APPLICATION PROCESS
When does the application period open and close?
When will I get an update of the status of my application?
Crew leads will receive interview notifications by June 2, 2025. General crew will receive a status update of their application by June 22, 2025.
Is there any cost to participate in the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
Yes. If selected, the cost to participate is $35 USD. These fees will only be used on the production for festival submissions.
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. You may be asked to help other departments once your work is complete, should the need arise.
What is the application process for the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
What are portfolio requirements for applying to this program?
Applicants are required to provide a portfolio website link showcasing a minimum of 3 to 5 relevant work examples corresponding to their chosen position. For non-artistic roles, candidates can alternatively 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 expectations.
Which software programs are recommended for the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
It's recommended to have 2D software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, Toon Boom, 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
- Application for all positions opens on May 5, 2025.
- Crew Leads application closes on May 19, 2025.
- General Crew application closes on May 23, 2025.
When will I get an update of the status of my application?
Crew leads will receive interview notifications by June 2, 2025. General crew will receive a status update of their application by June 22, 2025.
Is there any cost to participate in the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
Yes. If selected, the cost to participate is $35 USD. These fees will only be used on the production for festival submissions.
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. You may be asked to help other departments once your work is complete, should the need arise.
What is the application process for the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
- Review the program details available on our website, including position descriptions and requirements.
- Complete and submit your application through the provided AirTable link on our Immersive Lab Production Program page. Please note which questions are mandatory to answer, and which ones are optional. While it is not required, answering any additional optional questions will give us a better understanding of who you are when we review your application. Also, the application form does not auto-save so write your answers on a separate document before filling it out.
- 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.
- Once your portfolio has been screened, Crew Leads will undergo a virtual screening process via Zoom. This interview will allow us to further assess your eligibility for the role. Crew Lead candidates that are selected for interviewing must be available for a Zoom interview during 5/26 - 6/6.
- For those applying for General Crew positions, there will be no formal interview. Our team will review your application thoroughly to determine your fit for the program and may reach out for further questions.
- When the review process is completed, selected participants will receive an email from AIA. This email will confirm your acceptance into the program, provide instructions for fee payment, and include any additional details or instructions.
- 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 are required to provide a portfolio website link showcasing a minimum of 3 to 5 relevant work examples corresponding to their chosen position. For non-artistic roles, candidates can alternatively 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 expectations.
Which software programs are recommended for the Animation Industry Immersive Lab Production Program?
It's recommended to have 2D software such as Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, Toon Boom, 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
PROGRAM LOGISTICS
What kind of workload can I expect during the Immersive Lab Production Program?
Participants can expect a workload structured from 9 am PT to 6 pm PT, encompassing 7.5 hours of work with a one-hour lunch and 30 minutes of mandatory break. Availability for the entire program duration is required, although daily work schedules may vary depending on the department. If necessary, mentor meetings may continue beyond 6 pm PT but will be recorded. 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.
How will the team communicate with each other once accepted in the program?
The team will communicate with each other through Zoom, Discord, and Email.
Can I contact any of the mentors outside of the duration of the program?
Reviews with mentors will only take place during the designated times within the program. The mentors will not be available after those hours. Please do not contact any of the mentors before the launch of the program, or your application will be automatically dismissed.
Participants can expect a workload structured from 9 am PT to 6 pm PT, encompassing 7.5 hours of work with a one-hour lunch and 30 minutes of mandatory break. Availability for the entire program duration is required, although daily work schedules may vary depending on the department. If necessary, mentor meetings may continue beyond 6 pm PT but will be recorded. 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.
How will the team communicate with each other once accepted in the program?
The team will communicate with each other through Zoom, Discord, and Email.
Can I contact any of the mentors outside of the duration of the program?
Reviews with mentors will only take place during the designated times within the program. The mentors will not be available after those hours. Please do not contact any of the mentors before the launch of the program, or your application will be automatically dismissed.
POST-PROGRAM
Will the film screening take place in person or virtually?
The film will be available to view digitally on our website and various social media platforms once the film has completed its festival run. During festival runs, Asians in Animation will alert participants of the program of the time and locations of upcoming physical screenings.
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.
Can we include the final output in our portfolio after the film is completed, or do we need to wait until the film completes its festival run?
Please refrain from uploading more than 20 seconds of footage onto your portfolio until the film completes its festival run. Visual development work, storyboard work (if under 20 seconds), and animation work (if under 20 seconds) may be added to your portfolios. For Storyboard and Animation work over 20 seconds of footage, please speak to the Production Program team for approval.
The film will be available to view digitally on our website and various social media platforms once the film has completed its festival run. During festival runs, Asians in Animation will alert participants of the program of the time and locations of upcoming physical screenings.
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.
Can we include the final output in our portfolio after the film is completed, or do we need to wait until the film completes its festival run?
Please refrain from uploading more than 20 seconds of footage onto your portfolio until the film completes its festival run. Visual development work, storyboard work (if under 20 seconds), and animation work (if under 20 seconds) may be added to your portfolios. For Storyboard and Animation work over 20 seconds of footage, please speak to the Production Program team for approval.
