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Freefolk’s Futurefolk returns for its ninth year
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The initiative continues to broaden its search for talent from all backgrounds.
East London based, independent, commercials and longform VFX studio Freefolk, launches its ninth annual Futurefolk competition.
The initiative to nurture, inspire and spark the careers of the next generation of VFX talent with a paid internship, was originally launched in 2018.
The Freefolk talent team are ready to spot the skill, creativity and enthusiasm required to kick-start the careers of the next generation of VFX stars. And, after the huge success of last year, Freefolk again wants to hear from people from all backgrounds, those who have, and just as importantly, those who haven’t followed the traditional college based route.
Freefolk CEO Fi Kilroe explains what they’re looking for in the Futurefolkers of 2026. “This is an incredible opportunity for someone with the drive and enthusiasm for a career in VFX to gain real-world experience within a creative studio. We’re interested to hear from all candidates, from all backgrounds, its talent and passion that we’re looking for”.
Since 2018 Freefolk have welcomed 18 Futurefolkers, who have all gone on to have successful careers in the industry. One of last year's winners, Nuke Compositor Sophia Harrington, has since come back to work on a project with Freefolk.
Harrington says, “Trying to bridge the gap between studying VFX and having actual professional experience seems like the hardest and most pivotal point of a whole career. For a long time, it felt like being on the outside looking in and trying hard to find an opportunity to get a foot in the door. Now that that’s happened, there’s no going back. I’ll leave this internship with not only professional work for my reel, but experience and understanding of a professional pipeline and hopefully lasting connections with Freefolk and all the amazing people that I’ve met here.”
Neil Hatton MBE, CEO of UK Screen Alliance said: “Once again Freefolk are generously offering valuable work experience to develop the future talent that our industry depends on. The fact that this scheme is now in its 9th iteration, demonstrates that it is effective for both Freefolk and the new entrants who participate in it."
Steve Davis, Chief Executive of the Advertising Producers Association added: “This is a great opportunity for someone who dreams of a career in VFX but who hasn’t necessarily got relevant, or any, academic background. The only requirement is that they can demonstrate genuine passion for VFX. The lucky candidate will be working with great people who will support their development.”
So if you’re a budding animator, CG generalist, FX TD or a 2D compositor, you’ll need to submit a two minute reel of your best work to be considered for the one-month paid work placement. Importantly, the reel needs to showcase your skill in either 2D or 3D VFX.
The one month internship will involve experience within Freefolk’s Commercials and Film & Episodic departments. This year’s placement will be hybrid from our central London studio and will take place during the summer months.
Upon selection of your reel, you’ll be invited to meet the Freefolk team to put your case forward for the chance to learn from award winning VFX professionals on both TV and commercial projects.
Applications open Monday 30th March 2026.
The deadline for submissions is midnight Friday 17th April 2026.
You can apply via the Freefolk website here.
