Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s GEI Teams Up With Dimension and DNEG 360

June 26, 2024 • 3 minute read

Our team has partnered with Group Effort Initiative (GEI) to launch Rise Up Initiative, a UK-based production assistant training program.

Starting on August 1st, 2024, this initiative is designed to provide underrepresented UK talent with in-depth and hands-on professional experience on-set at our multipurpose virtual production complex in London. Trainees will receive accommodation, transportation, and a stipend.

During their traineeship, participants will have the opportunity to meet with prominent production executives, including those working on the upcoming Animal Friends (2025), a star-studded feature combining live-action and animated characters. This film is currently in production at DNEG and co-produced by Legendary Entertainment, Prime Focus Studios, and Maximum Effort––Ryan Reynolds’ production company.

We’ve also announced a series of independent British productions to shoot this summer, including 2040, Campbeltown ‘69 and HUMANOID (Cambridge Picture Company), and sport and live event projects for brands and broadcasters.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively launched the GEI program in August 2020 to create a pathway for members of underrepresented communities in entertainment to gain real-life work experience. GEI collaborates with local community-focused organisations to recruit trainees and is partnering with Dimension and DNEG 360 to ensure financial barriers will not impact trainees' professional development.

“We are genuinely inspired by the UK’s creative community and proud to partner with Dimension and DNEG 360 on the Rise Up Initiative, with the help of our excellent partners, we’ve united to help talented trainees master cutting-edge technology."

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

GEI Co-founders

“We are incredibly excited to host and sponsor the ‘Rise Up’ program in collaboration with GEI. We have a team of talented staff who are thrilled to share their realtime and virtual production expertise with future trailblazers."

Anna Lakshmi Sabapathy

Chief People Officer, Dimension and DNEG 360

“In alignment with our dedication to expand access and foster a more inclusive workforce, we couldn't be more excited to bring this program to a new generation of diverse talent.”

Carl Gist

Producer, Dimension and DNEG 360

"I am super excited to be accepted into the GEI, Dimension Studio, and DNEG 360 Rise Up Initiative internship program. I can't wait to begin my journey in the world of Virtual Production where I hope to learn from industry professionals."

Nana Duncan

Rise Up Program Participant

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