Registration now closed
Break In, Level Up invites 50 students, alumni, and early-career creatives across animation, games, VFX, filmmaking, and related fields to take part in a new round of free online learning. Selected participants will gain direct access to industry professionals from leading studios and institutions across Europe.
From February to March 2026, participants are welcome to join 12 free online masterclasses, designed to help emerging talent strengthen their creative skills, understand real industry expectations, and navigate the early stages of their careers.
This year’s masterclasses span three learning tracks designed to support different stages of creative growth:
Foot in the Door – A Career In
Learn what it takes to enter the industry. Explore visibility, portfolio readiness, new technologies, and the realities of first-step job roles.
Understanding the Industry
Gain a clearer picture of how productions function. Learn how teams work, how pipelines evolve, and how creativity aligns with opportunity inside studios.
Level Up Your Animation
A focused track for animators who want to refine acting, movement, staging, and the craft behind compelling character performance.
Earn Personal 1:1 Mentorship
Mentorships will take place from April to May 2026. These sessions are tailored to your goals, preparation, and interests. Mentorship is optional but highly encouraged.
Participants who register and participate actively in the masterclasses earn access to one-on-one mentorship from working industry professionals. Two mentoring paths are available:
- Career Guidance – for navigating early career steps, planning next moves, or understanding industry expectations
- Project Guidance – for participants developing their own ideas, concepts, or IPs, looking for feedback and direction
What You’ll Gain
- Access to twelve high-level learning sessions from international experts
- Real insight into industry workflows, expectations, and career opportunities
- Personalised feedback through 1:1 mentorship
- A stronger professional foundation for your next creative step
- A growing European network of peers, mentors, and studios
Key Dates
- Online Masterclasses: February to March 2026
- Mentorship Sessions: April to May 2026
- Registration Closed: January 18 (Sunday at midnight CET)
BREAK IN! LEVEL UP! MASTERCLASSES
"FOOT IN THE DOOR" A CAREER IN...
Meet Your Mentors
More mentors TBA
We'll introduce the lineup soon!
We want to ensure a tailored and diverse set of skills across our mentors to give you the best learning experience at the "Break In! Level Up!" Lab of 2026.
All applicants will be considered for Break In, Level Up. The Innovation Lab is open to students, recent graduates, and early-career creatives who want to grow their skills, understand the industry, and take their next professional step.
We especially encourage applications from students and graduates (0–6 years of experience) connected to our partner universities and higher education institutions:
- The Animation Workshop, VIA University College (DK)
- Breda University of Applied Sciences (NL)
- Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg (DE)
- Arts et Technologies de l’Image, Université Paris 8 (FR)
- GOBELINS Paris (FR)
- Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design (HU)
- École MoPA (FR)
- Nord University (NO)
- The National Film School – Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IE)
- UTS Animal Logic Academy (AU)
- And extended partner universities across the European animation, VFX, games, media, and filmmaking sectors
You do not need to be affiliated with a partner school to apply.
Your motivation, dedication, and creative drive matter far more than where you studied.
When evaluating applicants, we look at your background, your skills, your potential, and how you might fit within the wider learning community of the Innovation Lab. We value applicants who show curiosity, ambition, and a desire to learn and improve.
If you are unsure whether your profile fits what we are looking for, do not hesitate to sign up.
The “Break In! Level Up” Innovation Lab can host 50 participants in total.
We will soon release the full schedule for the Break In! Level Up! Innovation Lab. The programme will run online from February to May 2026, combining weekly masterclasses with personalised mentorship opportunities for selected participants.
Important Details
Format: Online (platform to be announced)
Masterclasses: February to March
Schedule: Two late-afternoon sessions each week
Mentorship Sessions: April to May, available for participants who engage actively in the masterclasses
The Break In! Level Up! schedule will be updated continuously as we confirm instructors, dates, and session details. More information is coming soon.
In the sign-up form you’ll be asked to provide the following:
- Contact information, so we can inform you of your application status
- The University you’re associated with
- Your background, experience, and motivation
- Your familiarity and motivation for the areas of expertise you consider your primary and secondary fields
- A short introduction of your personal project if you’re seeking project guidance in the mentorship session
- A portfolio/work/reel/other upload or share to illustrate your current experience and skills
The masterclasses and mentorship sessions are free of charge.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to dven@via.dk
