Cultivating Curiosity to Navigate Change

Cultivating Curiosity to Navigate Change

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35 Application spots left

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Cultivating Curiosity to Navigate Change

Details

APPLICATION GROUP 2
Applications Open:
8/1/25

THIS CIRCLE IS PERFECT FOR

  • Early career professionals 
    filmmakers with an open mind

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • A mix of presentations and small exercises (exercises will be software agnostic)
  • Discussion rounds driven by the mentees’ questions
  • Guest speakers 
  • Active participation is key to get value out of this circle!

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

  • Software Tutorials
  • Feedback on your original script or story pitch
  • Prescriptive career advice

Qualification Criteria

Entry Level (1-2 yrs of experience)
Early Career (3-5 yrs of experience)

Day / Time

Times Per Month:  Twice 
Day / Time:  Tuesday at 7:00 PM
Timezone: PST

* You must meet the qualification criteria AND be able to attend the posted day/time of the circle (please note the timezone posted)

CIRCLE DESCRIPTION

This mentorship circle is designed for filmmakers, 3D generalists, layout, lighting, or comp artists in the early stages of their careers. The focus is on understanding the value of both artistic vision and technical know-how, while cultivating the curiosity needed to keep growing in a fast-changing industry. We’ll talk about the importance of networking, how to connect with people in meaningful ways, and what professional behavior looks like in different work environments. 

Each session creates space for open, thoughtful discussion. We’ll talk about why treating yourself as a business, not just an artist, is key to building a sustainable and fulfilling career. Some sessions will include practical exercises or guest speakers, but the heart of the circle is conversation, shared experience, and learning to ask better questions. We’ll look at current challenges in the industry, including controversial topics like generative AI, and explore them with an open mind. I’ll share insights from my own experience working across different teams, roles, and production types – what helped me grow, and what I wish I’d known earlier. This is a space for people who want to grow, reflect, and explore.

ADDITIONAL Application Requirements

Please submit the following as part of your Application Profile:
*(AFTER you click to apply, you must go into your member profile and complete the member-specific portion; these requirements should be submitted through that profile):  

  • Please submit a personal statement that includes the following information:
    – Job experience 
    – Main goal for joining
    – Expectations for this circle
    – Any future plans/goals/ideas

Circle Leader

Caroline Kiessling

My name is Caroline, and my journey in the world of Visual Effects and Computer Graphics began in 2017 at The Third Floor in the heart of London. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work with studios like Framestore, RISE FX, Image Engine, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and most recently, Eyeline Studios.

My path through the industry has been anything but linear. I’ve moved between freelance and staff roles, worked on-site and remotely, and contributed to commercials, episodic projects, and feature films across multiple countries and continents.

Alongside my core work, I’ve built a small business as a treatment designer and mood researcher, something I enjoy diving into between gigs. I also run an Etsy shop focused on streaming overlays. Both side projects have taught me valuable business skills I never learned in school.

What’s driven my journey more than anything is curiosity: About people, tools, and the stories we tell. I’m also deeply committed to making this industry a more inclusive, fair, and supportive place for everyone.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Current Title: Visual Pioneering Artist

Studio / Employer:  Eyeline Studios – powered by Netflix

LinkedIn Profile: LINK

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