Exceptional Minds

08/24/2026

Do you love Star Wars? Can’t get enough of creatures from the deep? Do you want to be a Monster at digital design? We are now enrolling for Fall Workshops! Our seasonal workshops are a beginner-friendly, part-time program for students interested in learning new skills in the digital arts and entertainment. Classes meet once per week for five weeks.

Build your portfolio, learn a new software, and have fun! Register now: https://exceptional-minds.org/academy/fall/

08/12/2026

Our Animation Studio team is proud to highlight another incredible achievement from our artists.

Bigfoot Burger, written by Exceptional Minds graduate Liam Brosnan (Class of 2021), is a fantastic showcase of the industry-standard work our studio artists produce. From initial script to final render, our artists collaborated to create a standout comedic short that highlights the power of inclusion in entertainment.

We are excited to share this milestone and celebrate the team's hard work.

Watch the full short film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-UHoOhtdc

07/30/2026

Exceptional Minds just leveled up. Ed Coleman (CBS Sports) and Bradley Kravitz (Toon Boom Animation) are joining our Board of Directors, and Tierney Yates is stepping in as Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships.

Between Coleman's production pipeline expertise, Kravitz's deep ties across the animation industry, and Yates's track record in nonprofit fundraising and neurodiversity advocacy, this is a serious infusion of talent behind our mission.

Full story here:

Industry vets Ed Coleman and Bradley Kravitz alongside non-profit pro Tierney Yates join the leadership team of Exceptional Minds.

07/20/2026

We're hiring multiple positions!

For over a decade, our award-winning nonprofit academy and working production studio has been preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for careers in animation and the digital arts. Exceptional Minds develops a diverse and inclusive workforce of thoughtful and talented artists once on the margins, who now have what every young professional seeks - dignity, hope, and a command of the skills and tools necessary to lead successful careers.

We welcome applicants with diverse experiences, communication styles, and ways of thinking.

Learn more & apply: https://secure5.entertimeonline.com/ta/CBIZ21050.careers?CareersSearch=&ein_id=85412930&lang=en-US

07/16/2026

A special screening of HORSEGIRLS is coming to Laemmle NoHo on Saturday, July 18.

Hosted by 360 Degree Communications, the award-winning film follows Margarita, a 22-year-old autistic woman who discovers hobbyhorsing and gains the confidence to forge her own path toward independence.

Watch the trailer and purchase tickets through the links below. We hope you'll check it out!

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdvV29CGdPs
Buy tickets for July 18: https://www.laemmle.com/film/horsegirls?date=2026-07-18

07/15/2026

We've been having a lively summer with our Summer Workshops crew! And we're almost full for sessions 3 and 4.

Join us in person or online for 2 weeks of learning and fun with digital arts. All artists on the autism spectrum ages 14 and up are welcome 🙌

We accept funding from the Self Determination Program for current Regional Center clients.

Learn more and sign up at https://exceptional-minds.org/academy/summer/

07/06/2026

Our inaugural Game Jam was a success! We had 30 participants join us to create games under the theme of "Time Blindness."

All the games designed for the Game Jam can be downloaded and played at our Itch.io page:
https://itch.io/jam/exceptional-minds-game-jam/entries

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE:
We will be awarding one game the Audience Award. Play the games and vote for your favorite here:
https://forms.gle/kumgp7nrmFk1uLEX7

07/06/2026

This Disability Pride Month, we're celebrating a collaboration we're proud to have been part of.

PLIGHT is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, and our titles team had the opportunity to create the film's end credits.

"In a war-torn dystopian future, four autistic young men are forced to leave their remote sanctuary. Starring an authentically neurodivergent cast, this survival thriller follows their treacherous journey to New Haven. Facing ruthless scavengers and internal struggles, they must rely on one another if they hope to survive."

If you're looking for a movie to watch this month, check out PLIGHT on Prime Video and stay through the end credits to see our team's work. If you enjoy the film, consider leaving a rating and review to help more people discover it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZF6TRLY?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Congratulations to the entire team on this exciting release!

06/24/2026

Last chance to sign up for our Game Jam 🎮

All abilities and experience levels welcome! We start this Friday, June 26.

Sign up: https://itch.io/jam/exceptional-minds-game-jam

06/15/2026

We are so proud to have marched in the LA Pride Parade for the second year in a row!

Neurodivergent people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+. We marched yesterday to show our community that we support them for exactly who they are. No masking or hiding required.

Thank you LA Pride for welcoming us again!

PS. Check out our VFX team standing in front of the BEEF billboard, celebrating one of the shows they worked on 🤩