Calling All Escapees: Rookies Deadline 22 June 2026

The Rookie Awards 2026

This year at our annual summer Expo our students presented some of the best work ever created at Escape Studios. 

The next step for our students, especially those graduating this summer, is to enter The Rookies, the international competition for young creatives; part contest and part showcase for rising talent - all our students are strongly encouraged to enter. 

Entry for the 2026 The Rookies closes on 22 June 2026. 

About The Rookies

Giorgos Konstantinou at The Rookies

The Rookies was founded in 2009 to "showcase the most talented student designers, illustrators, film makers, animators, developers, digital artists, and launch them into the career of their dreams." 

Professional Practice Module PS6003

All our final year students are encouraged to enter The Rookies as part of their Professional Practice Module PS6003. 

PS6003 prepares students for industry, most importantly by focusing on the preparation of a professional-quality Demo Reel. 

Start with The Rookies

For animation and VFX students, showcasing their work at The Rookies in a competitive, professional environment is an important step toward launching a successful career.  

Here’s why entering The Rookies is important:

1. Industry-Level Feedback: The Rookies provides feedback from industry professionals—veteran animators, VFX artists, and studio recruiters—who evaluate student work.  This input from experts offers insights on how to refine technical skills, storytelling, and presentation.

2. Portfolio Exposure: Entering The Rookies can dramatically increase the visibility of our students' work.  Many recruiters and industry insiders watch the competition, giving students a direct avenue to showcase their skills and stand out to potential employers. 

3. Networking Opportunities: Being part of The Rookies means connecting with a community of talented students and professionals worldwide.  The competition encourages students to interact, exchange ideas, and receive constructive feedback from other entrants and alumni, which can open doors to future collaborations and opportunities.

4. Real-World Standards: Submitting work to The Rookies means students need to polish their projects to a professional standard. This process of refining work, meeting deadlines, and following submission guidelines is essential preparation for the expectations of the industry.  

5. 
   Confidence: For many students, putting their work out there can be intimidating. The Rookies provides a platform for  students to push their boundaries and grow.  Even just the process of preparing and submitting to the competition boosts confidence, helping students feel ready to tackle professional challenges.

6. Scholarships, Prizes, and Job Opportunities: The Rookies offers prizes like internships, scholarships, and software licenses, which can significantly enhance students' resources and skills. Winning—or even placing—can make students’ resumes stand out, and open up opportunities with leading studios, giving them a head start in their careers.

In short, entering The Rookies is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity to grow, gain exposure, and establish a strong foundation for a career in animation and VFX. For students passionate about their craft, The Rookies is an invaluable experience that can propel their work and confidence to new heights.

How to Enter - Create Your Entry Page

"Offcut" - VFX Finalist

To get started,  create an entry page and submit your details.  Set up a page and use it to showcase your best work - this can be both as a team (say, on a group project) and also individual work (note that professional client-facing paid work is not admissible).  

Students should treat their entry page as something they would show a recruiter when applying for a job. It should include a small bio about you, examples of your work, and your work history.

"Jerich0" - Highly Commended

Escape Studios Successes
In past years Escape Studios;' students have enjoyed many successes in The Rookies, including:

• Escape Studios ranked No 4 globally (and No 1 in the UK) for Animation & VFX,  
• Escape Projects "Highly Commended" in many categories,  
• Escape Students reach the finals in many categories in animation, VFX and games.  
• Escape Studios ranked No5 Globally (No 1 in the UK) for Anim & VFX Production 2020
• "Introduction to The Light" Wins Rookies Excellence Award
• "Kiwi's Dream" Wins "People's Choice Award" at the Rookies
• "Slushy" Wins Honourable Mention at The Rookies
• "The Crash" Wins Hon Mention at The Rookies
• "Little Gestures" Hon Mention at The Rookies
• Escape Animators Finalists in Rookies "Knight Spider" Competition
• "Offcut" Finalist in Rookies' VFX Film of The Year
• Escape Studios in "Top 50" Rookies' Rankings

Official Rookies Site
To see more, visit the official site.

Apply Early

It's always a good idea to enter early - make a great first impression and get more eyes on your work. 

The Escape Studios Animation Blog offers a personal view on the art of animation and visual effects.  

To apply for one of our courses, follow this link.