Future Directors Scholarship

Future Directors Scholarship

Funder: Titmouse Foundation in partnership with projectcity.tv

Program Type: Educational Scholarship + Professional Development

Geographic Scope: United States (must have US mailing address)

Program Focus: Fostering diverse storytellers and directors through intensive training in storytelling, cinema, and animation storyboarding

Background

The Titmouse Foundation has partnered with projectcity.tv to create an intensive 25-week course designed to develop diverse voices in animation and film direction. The program combines structured coursework with hands-on mentorship from industry professionals.

Program Structure

• Duration: 25-week intensive course
• Format: Live classes (must be able to attend scheduled sessions)
• Content:
- Fundamentals of storytelling and cinema - Storyboarding for animation - Guided mentorship throughout the semester (for scholarship recipients)

Award Details

Scholarship recipients receive:

Tuition: Fully covered for the Future Directors course

Software: 1-year license of Toon Boom Storyboard Pro

Hardware/Software Fund: Up to $2,500 to purchase necessary hardware and software to take the class

Mentorship: Guided mentorship throughout the 25-week semester from experienced professionals

Audit Option

Anyone can audit the class by purchasing access, but only Titmouse Foundation scholarship recipients receive guided mentorship.

Eligibility Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• Legally eligible for work in the United States
• Living at a United States mailing address
• Able to attend the live classes in the scheduled time
• Can be already working in the animation industry
• Must NOT have previous professional supervisor level experience in animation (e.g., assistant director, episodic director, storyboard supervisor)

2022 Recipients (Inaugural Class)

The program's first cohort included 8 talented recipients: 1. Kaniz Fatema - Freelance Story Artist & Illustrator (later received 2024 Female Directors Grant) 2. Matthew D. Rice - Production Assistant at ShadowMachine 3. Naomi Urey - Previously an Artist Intern at Warner Bros. 4. Vic Sossa - 2D Animator & Designer, Recent Graduate 5. Esther Wu - Visual Development Artist 6. Isabella Darya Bajestani - Aspiring Artist 7. Kathy Liu - Storyboard Artist at Warner Bros. 8. Jason Raymond - Story Artist

Contact & Organization Info

Titmouse Foundation
• Status: 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• EIN: 83–3461412
• Website: titmousefoundation.org