Key Takeaways
- Nine Visionary Artists Selected: ACE Canada and Netflix Canada unveil the fifth cohort of the Animation Career Excel-erator (ACE) program, empowering nine mid- to senior-level women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit animation professionals.
- Pathway to Senior Leadership: Participants will gain key creative credits on a new animated short, receive intensive mentorship, and attend soft skills workshops, all designed to break the glass ceiling into senior and management roles.
- Proven Track Record of Success: Previous ACE cohorts have seen significant achievements, with 29 alumni now holding senior industry positions, and their animated shorts garnering critical acclaim and millions of views.
In a monumental stride for the Canadian animation industry, ACE Canada, with premiere sponsor Netflix Canada, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated ninth cohort of the Animation Career Excel-erator (ACE) program. Announced today at the prestigious Ottawa International Animation Festival, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, this initiative is set to propel nine exceptional mid- to senior-level artists into the vanguard of animated storytelling and leadership.
The Animation Career Excel-erator (ACE) is a critical training program meticulously designed to empower animation professionals who identify as women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit. Its core mission is to dismantle existing barriers, enabling these talented individuals to ascend to key creative and senior positions within the dynamic animation landscape. Beyond career advancement, the program actively fosters the creation of original Canadian intellectual property and champions the telling of authentic, diverse stories that resonate globally.
Empowering Diverse Voices in Animation and Tech
Over the next year, the selected nine professionals will embark on an intensive collaborative journey, culminating in the production of an original animated short film. Each participant will earn a key creative credit for their pivotal role in the project, a testament to their skill and dedication. This hands-on experience is complemented by a robust mentorship scheme, providing unparalleled guidance from industry veterans. Furthermore, a series of specialized soft skills workshops will equip them with the essential competencies required for effective leadership and management in senior roles, preparing them for the evolving demands of global animation and VFX jobs.
The significance of the Animation Career Excel-erator extends far beyond individual career paths. In an industry increasingly influenced by technological advancements, including AI, VFX, and innovative production techniques, fostering diverse perspectives is paramount. These emerging leaders will bring fresh ideas and unique storytelling approaches, which are crucial for pushing the boundaries of animated movies and interactive experiences.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers and Industry Impact
The ACE program boasts a remarkable track record of success. Of its past participants, an impressive 29 individuals have successfully transitioned into senior roles across the animation industry, demonstrating the program’s profound impact on career trajectories. The animated shorts produced by previous cohorts have also garnered significant attention and acclaim, highlighting the creative prowess nurtured within the program.
- ACE 4’s ‘Rocketship Mai’s’ was an official selection at SIGGRAPH 2026, a premier conference for computer graphics and interactive techniques, showcasing its technical and artistic excellence.
- ACE 3’s ‘Ostinato’ is now proudly streaming on Netflix, a testament to the high quality and commercial viability of the projects developed. This aligns perfectly with Netflix’s commitment to animated storytelling and its global reach.
- ACE 2’s ‘Pivot’ achieved viral success, attracting more than 1.4 million views on TikTok, underscoring the program’s ability to create content that resonates with contemporary audiences and leverages modern distribution platforms.
These achievements not only validate the ACE model but also inspire future cohorts, solidifying the program’s reputation as a vital incubator for Canadian animation talent. The success stories illustrate how strategic investment in talent development can lead to tangible creative and commercial outcomes, enriching the overall animated movies landscape.
The Rigorous Selection Process: Unearthing Extraordinary Talent
The selection of the ACE 5 cohort was a testament to the extraordinary depth of talent within Canada’s animation community. More than 150 applicants from across the country vied for a coveted spot, a number that was meticulously narrowed down to a shortlist of 45 exceptional candidates. This rigorous process involved extensive evaluation by over 35 creative and studio professionals from various facets of the animation industry, who comprised the esteemed juries.
Rose-Ann Tisserand, program founder and executive producer of ACE Canada, eloquently captured the intensity of the selection process. "The caliber and volume of talent in this year’s ACE 5 applications was truly extraordinary," she stated. "Each finalist participated in workshops and pitch-coaching sessions with renowned pitch coach Jan Miller, making the final selection of just nine participants an incredibly difficult task for our juries. The talent, ambition and fresh perspectives were remarkable." This intensive coaching ensures that participants are not only skilled artists but also adept at articulating their visions, a crucial skill for leadership roles and securing funding for future inventions in animation.
Key Features of the Animation Career Excel-erator (ACE) Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Mid- to senior-level women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit animation professionals. |
| Program Duration | One year, culminating in a finished animated short film. |
| Key Outcome | Participants earn a key creative credit on a professional animated short. |
| Mentorship | Extensive one-on-one and group mentorship from industry leaders. |
| Skill Development | Soft skills workshops focused on leadership, management, and pitching. |
| Industry Recognition | Opportunities for film festival selections and streaming platform placements. |
| Sponsor | Netflix Canada (Premiere Sponsor). |
| Impact | Significant career advancement into senior and management roles; creation of new Canadian IP. |
This comprehensive approach ensures that the ACE program addresses both the artistic and professional development needs of its participants, preparing them for multifaceted careers in a rapidly evolving industry that increasingly integrates tech and AI.
A Catalyst for Canadian Intellectual Property and Authentic Storytelling
The ACE program is more than just a career accelerator; it’s a vital engine for fostering Canadian intellectual property. By supporting artists in developing their own stories and characters, it contributes to a vibrant national animation landscape that can compete on the global stage. These authentic stories, often rooted in diverse cultural experiences, bring unique perspectives to animated movies and series, enriching the global creative tapestry.
The emphasis on breaking the glass ceiling for women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit individuals is particularly timely. As the animation industry continues to grow and diversify, initiatives like ACE are crucial for ensuring that leadership roles reflect the breadth of talent available. This commitment to inclusion parallels pioneering initiatives like the VES Women Who Lead Summit, which also aims to empower women in VFX and animation leadership.
The involvement of Netflix Canada as a premiere sponsor underscores the global streaming giant’s dedication to nurturing local talent and investing in diverse content creation. This partnership provides invaluable resources, exposure, and a direct pathway for Canadian stories to reach international audiences, further solidifying Canada’s reputation as a hub for animation excellence and innovation.
As the ACE 5 cohort embarks on their year-long journey, the animation world watches with anticipation. Their collective creativity, bolstered by expert mentorship and strategic support, promises to yield not only compelling animated movies but also a new generation of leaders ready to shape the future of animation, embracing new tech, and driving artistic inventions. The Animation Career Excel-erator continues to be a beacon of progress, ensuring that the Canadian animation industry remains dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Animation Career Excel-erator (ACE) program?
The Animation Career Excel-erator (ACE) is a Canadian training program designed for mid- to senior-level animation professionals who identify as women, non-binary, and Two-Spirit. It aims to help them advance into key creative and senior roles within the animation industry through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative short film production.
Who sponsors the ACE program?
ACE Canada leads the program, with Netflix Canada serving as its premiere sponsor. This partnership provides significant support and opportunities for participants, including potential exposure on Netflix’s global platform.
What do participants gain from the ACE program?
Participants in the ACE program gain invaluable experience by producing an animated short film and receiving a key creative credit. They also benefit from extensive mentorship from industry leaders, participate in soft skills workshops for leadership development, and join a network of successful alumni, many of whom now hold senior positions in the animation sector.
How does ACE contribute to the future of animation and tech?
By fostering diverse talent and promoting original Canadian intellectual property, ACE directly contributes to innovation in animation. The program equips future leaders with the skills to navigate and implement new technologies like AI and VFX, ensuring that Canadian animated movies and series remain at the forefront of creative and technical excellence, pushing boundaries with new inventions in storytelling and production.
[…] and English, coupled with extensive industry experience, is paramount. This role highlights Netflix’s commitment to nurturing talent and producing diverse, high-quality content for a global […]