Future Directors Scholarship

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

Application Process

Application Status: Applications are currently CLOSED

2022 Timeline (Most Recent):

• Applications opened: June 1, 2022
• Applications closed: July 1, 2022 at 11:59pm PST
• Scholarships awarded: Week of August 1, 2022

Application Requirements:
Specific application materials and submission requirements are not detailed in the provided materials. Contact the foundation for current application information when the program reopens.

Application URL: https://www.titmousefoundation.org/future-directors-program