Graduates from the Digital Media Institute (DMI), a program under BRF, are making remarkable strides in the digital media landscape of Shreveport-Bossier. The institute’s alumni have found promising employment avenues in the local television and film industry, particularly within Troubled Muse Studios’ visual effects (VFX) department.
Troubled Muse Studios, inaugurated in 2022, has enthusiastically embraced DMI’s talent pool by onboarding five full-time employees who completed DMI’s Digital Animation and Visual Effects one-year certificate program. Situated in Bossier City, Louisiana, the studio specializes in crafting TV shows and feature films, with a focus on motion capture, visual effects, and animation.
R. Andru Davies, CEO of Troubled Muse Studios, conveyed, “Troubled Muse Studios is experiencing dynamic growth. We’ve undergone two expansions already and are currently amidst our third.” The studio’s expansion facilitated the creation of new positions that were filled by graduates of DMI. Hannah Roark, a recent DMI alumna hired in 2023 as a VFX Generalist, has been actively involved in crafting 3D models and assets for a sci-fi TV series since joining Troubled Muse Studios.
Roark, a graduate of the Digital Animation and Visual Effects program, highlighted the program’s comprehensive nature, stating, “The software we learned at DMI was incredibly robust, providing us with the tools to master various applications. It was a fulfilling experience to experiment with different forms of art.”
DMI’s curriculum equips students with industry-relevant software expertise, including tools like MAYA, NUKE, the Unreal Engine, and Substance Painter. Roark’s role as a VFX Generalist entails utilizing these software programs extensively, showcasing the practical application of DMI’s teachings.
Greg Nelson, Academic Director of DMI, emphasized the institute’s mission: “To provide high-quality training, delivered by industry professionals in a cutting-edge environment, thereby enhancing workforce development in the digital media realm.” DMI, accredited nationally, offers both in-person and online courses.
The success of DMI graduates is evident in the impressive 82 percent job placement rate for the 2022 cohort, with alumni excelling in diverse fields such as visual effects, medical augmented reality, visual forestry, software engineering, and software development.
Elizabeth Boitnott, Operations Director of DMI, noted, “DMI graduates are increasingly kickstarting their careers within Northwest Louisiana, especially as more companies, like Troubled Muse, establish themselves in the region.”
Prospective students interested in the Digital Animation and Visual Effects program can enroll for the spring 2024 term starting on Jan. 16. The program, tailored to prepare individuals for the digital media industry, encompasses digital animation, compositing, 3D modeling, and specialized topics. Additionally, DMI offers a two-year associate degree program in Digital Marketing and Design, catering to those aspiring for careers in modern digital marketing and graphic design.
For those curious about DMI’s programs, a free introductory class is now available to offer a glimpse into the world of Digital Animation and Visual Effects.
BRF, originally known as the Biomedical Research Foundation, is dedicated to diversifying and bolstering the region’s economy through initiatives spanning biomedical research, entrepreneurship, digital media, and business development.