BRIC Digital Badges
Entertainment Industry Certifications for Workforce Development and Technical Skills
What is a
Digital Badge?
BRIC Digital Badges are industry-recognized skills certifications that show off your verified abilities to prospective employers, recruiters, and the world.
Reviewed and awarded by industry recruiters, BRIC Digital Badges are a credible way to communicate your industry-ready skills on your resume and professional profiles like Linkedin, helping you stand out from other job applicants.
Made for those seeking careers in entertainment, BRIC Digital Badges prove to potential employers that you have the skills to be successful in the workplace.
Why were they created?
To support creative talent around the world, BRIC created these Digital Badges as an inclusive and accessible way for anyone seeking a career in the entertainment industry to be recognized for their skills – regardless of their level of education, professional experience, background, age, or location.
We collaborated with more than 60 industry professionals to create these badges and ensure that they represent the current standards and skills sought after by recruiters and hiring managers.
Who are they for?
BRIC Digital Badges were made for anyone seeking a career in entertainment.
These badges were made to aid those seeking careers in entertainment, such as an Animator, Background Artist, Concept Artist, Digital FX Artist, Game Designer, Production Manager, Storyboard Artist, Tech Artist, or Visual Effects Artist.
Pre-Apprenticeship Badges Now Available for Students!
BRIC now offers Pre-Apprenticeship Digital Badges for students honing their skills! These badges indicate to educators that the earner is competent in the selected skill and can be considered advanced in a school environment. Pre-Apprenticeship Badge earners are more prepared to submit their work for a standard BRIC Digital Badge.
Badges Offered
-
An earner with this credential demonstrates an understanding of how to tell a story through characters. They are able to further the storytelling process by developing the look, personality, and feel of the characters.
Submission Requirements:
Design 2-3 character turnarounds (6 points) + 1 quadraped design
Include range of character body types and costuming
Expressions for at least 1 character
It may also include these optional attributes:
• Mouth charts
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
Design 2 characters demonstrating variations in body type and costuming
For at least one of the characters, include a character turnaround (minimum 4 points)
Also include a minimum of 4 expressions for at least 1 character
-
Earners with this credential can demonstrate knowledge and a basic foundation of anatomy and perspective through life drawing.
Submission Requirements:
Stages of the art development to showcase process and understanding of shapes
Images of at least two humans showcasing proportion and must include head, hands, and feet. Images must also include shadow, highlight, and grayscale
Images of at least two humans in 3-5 gestures and postures
It may also include these optional attributes:
• Dynamic poses that show story, character, or further movement of the human anatomy
-
An earner with this credential demonstrates an understanding of basic color and lighting. They are able to differentiate between light sources and properly light a 3D scene.
Submission Requirements:
Demo reel (45 seconds to 1 minute) showing lighting of a scene or prop
Different camera angles showing at least 2 light types (e.g. Spot, Distance, Point, Area, and Skydome)
Photo references and breakdown on which elements were done by Lighting Artist
It may also include these optional attributes:
• Photography or personal work section
Fundamental Skills:
-
An earner with this credential is able to recognize the needs to assist with and create recordings and sound production by setting up sound and recording equipment, testing equipment, and making adjustments to equipment and sound files.
Submission Requirements:
Video of 1 short film or 2-3 smaller projects (animation sample or commercial) that showcase your experience recording, editing, and mixing the following: a. Dialogue or voiceover recording; b. Sound effects; c. Music
Audio files for the full mix and splits per the following: a. Full Mix; b. Dialogue and/or Voiceover Stem; c. FX Stem; d. Music Stem
A document including a short description of your specific contributions to each project, including the software and equipment you used and anything you’d like to add about your technical and creative approach to working on these different aspects of post-production sound.
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
Video of 1 short film or smaller projects (animation sample or commercial) that showcase your experience recording, editing, and mixing the following: a. dialogue or voiceover recording; b. sound effects; c. music
A document including a short description of your specific contributions to each project, including the software and equipment you used and anything you’d like to add about your technical and creative approach to working on these different aspects of post-production sound.
-
An earner with this credential is able to create effects based on concept art and design. They use 3D lighting and effects, as well as composting tools, to achieve the final look.
Submission Requirements:
Two completed Effects
Two completed Simulation Pieces (cloth, element, etc.)
Two completed pieces that showcase an understanding of modeling, rigging, composition, lighting, and color
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
One completed Effect
One completed Simulation Piece (cloth, element, etc.)
One completed piece that showcases an understanding of composition, lighting, and color
-
An earner with this credential is able to understand the basic necessities needed in creating an entertainment industry budget, utilize rate sheets properly, and create a budget that is organized, efficient and adaptable.
Submission Requirements:
A filled out budget on the provided template
A narrative breakdown explaining your choices
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
A one page breakdown explaining your budgeting choices with a narrative
Fill out budget worksheet
-
An earner with this credential is able to imagine almost everything about a game including its plots, characters, visual designs, and layouts.
Submission Requirements:
Portfolio pieces showcasing your ability to design unique, engaging gameplay systems - this can be in the form of 5 screenshots or a reel.
Provide a 1-page document explaining the mechanics and gameplay systems of one of your portfolio pieces, who the target audience is, and how users are rewarded/encouraged to explore the game
One- to two- page Design Essay - create a language learning game for kids age 12 to 16. Make sure to focus on accessibility, depth, and delivering meaningful, fun rewards and challenges.
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
Portfolio pieces showcasing your ability to design unique, engaging gameplay systems - this can be in the form of 5 screenshots or a reel.
Provide a 1-page document explaining the mechanics and gameplay systems of one of your portfolio pieces, who the target audience is, and how users are rewarded/encouraged to explore the game.
-
An earner with this credential demonstrates the skills needed to design or create graphics that meet specific commercial or promotion needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. An earner with this credential should be able to:
Create strong, original designs utilizing composition, color, typography, and overall visual quality
Show a clear design process through research and idea exploration
Form a style guide based on customer’s needs
Submission Requirements:
An original style guide for a startup business that sells a service not a physical product (should include brand logo- full, stacked, and icon, color palette, typography, and related imagery)
Design layouts for promotional materials (social media, ¼ page print flyer, full page print ad, and poster)
A narrative breakdown explaining your choices
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
Design a logo or product image. Include what the logo or product image would like like on a flyer (8.5x11) and a social media graphic (800x800)
A narrative breakdown explaining your choices
-
An earner with this credential demonstrates an understanding of how to tell a story through visual language. They understand how to create a cinematic vision based on the 2D storyboard or the 3D previz while preserving the original intent of the creative brief.
Submission Requirements:
Design 2-3 scenes (at least one indoor)
Include textures and meshes for low poly assets
Variety of environment types and props, including color
It may also include these optional attributes:
• Breakdown of process and photo references for environments
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
Design 1-2 scenes (indoor preferred)
Variety of props, including color
-
An earner with this credential is able to run the capture station during shoots and be responsible for high-quality marker tracking and motion capture.
Submission Requirements:
Mocap animation (facial or action shots)
Hand-keyed animation
In-game assets of an animated character, person, or creature
Rigging wireframes showcasing MoCap breakdowns
-
An earner with this credential is able to visualize shots and sequences and help establish shot composition, staging, lighting, and camera - including movement, lens choices, and framing.
Submission Requirements:
Cinematic knowledge through camera, lenses, composition, and film language or editing.
Previsializing shots from scratch to provide visual reference to a scene or shot.
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
One-page breakdown of a scene demonstrating cinematic knowledge through camera, lenses, composition, and film language or editing.
Previsualizing shots from scratch to provide visual reference to a shot.
-
An earner with this credential is able to create high-quality vehicle props. The assets will focus on visual output, technical quality, and a high level of accuracy to the real-life counterpart.
Submission Requirements:
Two highly stylized 3D prop vehicles from storyboards, concept art, 3D sculpts, and/or script pages. Make sure to showcase wireframes and textures.
Two 2D paintings and drawings of prop vehicles.
One model that showcases your ability to model either hard or soft surfaces.
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submissions Requirements:
One highly stylized 3D prop vehicles from storyboards, concept art, 3D sculpts, and/or script pages. Make sure to showcase wireframes and textures if possible. Must include an orthographic (full) turn on each vehicle showcasing top, front, and sides.
One model that showcases your ability to model either hard or soft surfaces. Still images showcasing an orthographic (full) turn on each vehicle showcasing top, front, and sides are acceptable or a screen recording/video of the model.
-
An earner with this credential is able to read a script to break it down in an organized, efficient and ergonomic manner, understand the basic necessities needed in creating a schedule, and create a basic schedule for a live action film.
Submission Requirements:
A script breakdown explaining your choices
A filled out schedule on the provided template
A 1 paragraph to 1 page written essay explaining your scheduling choices
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
A script breakdown explaining your choices
A 1 page written essay explaining your scheduling choices
-
An earner with this credential demonstrates an understanding of how to create the initial visual representations of a story’s narrative. They will make the visual decisions that develop how the story looks on a storyboard panel.
Submission Requirements:
One-page breakdown of thumbnails (roughs before going into full boards)
One completed storyboard scene (can be adventure, comedy, or drama)
One completed animatic with audio/music
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
One-page breakdown of thumbnails (roughs before going into full boards
One completed storyboard scene: can be adventure, comedy, or drama
-
An earner with this credential is able to integrate programming with art to solve production problems or enhance an artist's or animator's visual content.
Submission Requirements:
3D assets for in-game props/environments/character rigs
Coding breakdowns
3D tools software examples of in-game tools/pipeline/shader development/creation
Shader scripts within 3D game packages
-
An earner with this credential demonstrates an understanding of how to tell a story through visual language. They are able to create a scene of characters and environments that are distinct and tell a story.
Submission Requirements:At least 2 examples of character design or environment art
Breakdown of art elements in work (e.g. environment = buildings/props; character = costumes/color)
At least 1 example of a finished visual storytelling piece that includes characters and environments together
It may also include these optional attributes:
• Observational life drawings
• Comic panelsGet the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
1 example of a finished visual storytelling piece that includes characters and environments together
Breakdown of art elements in work (i.e. environment= buildings/ props, character= costumes/ color)
-
An earner with this credential demonstrates an understanding of how to tell a story through the written word. They demonstrate an ability to invoke the art of storytelling to regale their audience.
Submission Requirements:
One- to two-page breakdown of an idea you would want to pitch; must have a log line, story summary, and character breakdown
One page of completed dialogue
One page breakdown of the character's arc from the story and a breakdown of the themes and how they impact the overall story
Get the Badge / View the Grading Rubric
***
This badge is also available at the Pre-Apprenticeship level!
Pre-Apprenticeship Badge Submission Requirements:
One- to two-page breakdown of an idea you would want to pitch; must have a log line, story summary, and character breakdown
One page breakdown of the character's arc from the story and a breakdown of the themes and how they impact the overall story
Basic Technical Skills:
*Badges marked with an asterisk indicate a Pre-Apprenticeship Badge is also available.
Who awards the badges?
Co-Founder, BRIC Foundation & Talent Manager and President of Fourth Wall Animation
Associate Recruiter, DreamWorks Animation
Independent Talent Manager
Talent Acquisition Partner, Stanley 1913
VFX Producer + VES speakers for the School Outreach Program for the Visual Effects Society
Sound Mixer and Sound Designer, Field Day Sound
Manager of Talent Acquisition, Skydance Animation
Talent Coordinator, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
Enhance your portfolio with feedback from professional recruiters!
Set yourself up for success in the hiring market.
This opportunity for feedback can help set you up for success in your employment journey. Review and implement notes on your portfolio to best align with industry standards. Prepare yourself to be competitive in the hiring market by giving recruiters exactly what they need to understand your skills and artistry.
Make your job application count.
Recruiters review hundreds of applicants per job opening. They have to move fast to get through all the applications. The badge submission process illuminates what recruiters want to see and in what formats for that badge’s specific skill set, so you can give recruiters exactly what they are looking for. Whether you are looking to work for a large studio or a small company, implementing feedback and presenting a professional portfolio will help you stand out.
Check out the Badge Catalog!
BRIC Digital Badges show off your skills to potential employers, recruiters, and the world, helping you stand out from other applicants. These skills-based badges are a trusted way to quickly communicate your verified abilities on your resume and professional profiles.
Benefits of Badges
-
Focus on Skills
Digital badges highlight new skills earned in an evolving workforce and enhance your personal brand - regardless of education or background.
-
Employer Supported
Created by 60+ industry professionals across leading entertainment and media companies, and reviewed by real-life recruiters.
-
Bridge to Careers
Badges provide stronger matching for employers and clearer pathways to opportunities for students.
-
Verifiable
Each badge comes embedded with information about the issuing institution, date earned, and criteria required to earn the credential.
-
Shareable
Easy to share on social media, personal portfolio sites, and professional networks like Linkedin.
-
Backed by Research
Developed with the California Department of Education and Employers competency standards.
FAQ
How do I sign up?
Locate the specific badge under “Badges Offered” above to find the direct link to that badge or click here to see all the badges. Add badges to your cart and check out. You’ll receive a Welcome Email with step-by-step instructions on how to upload your portfolio for review.
How much will each badge cost?
Standard Badges are priced at $50 USD each and Pre-Apprenticeship Badges are priced at $25 USD each. The cost of each badge goes towards compensating Reviewers’ time to carefully evaluate each submission.
Please note that purchasing a badge submission will not guarantee receiving a badge. Badges will only be awarded based on skills evaluations.
Are these instructional classes?
No, these are not instructional classes. Digital Badges are skills evaluations. Digital Badges offer a means to certify your skills by submitting samples of your work for assessment by industry recruiters.
Do I need to be enrolled in school or have a degree to participate?
You do not need to be enrolled in school or have a degree to participate. BRIC Digital Badges were created to aid the hiring process and provide jobseekers with an alternative solution to demonstrate verifiable skills, especially for those who may have unconventional work or education experience.
Can I reapply?
Yes! If you do not pass on your first submission, you will have up to one year to resubmit once for free. You will be provided feedback that will help guide your follow-up submission.
Who reviews my submission?
Recruiters actively working in the entertainment industry review each submission and make determinations on every badge.
How is each submission evaluated?
Recruiters will assess each badge submission against a standardized grading rubric, which is based on the CDE Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards. To view the Scoring Rubrics for each badge, click here.
When will I hear back?
Our recruitment team will send a determination within 30 days of submission. You’ll be able to review your scores on the Kannu portal.
Can I buy a bundle of badges?
Yes! That feature will be coming soon. Bundles will be based on popular career tracks.
How do I submit my portfolio for review?
The assets and formatting for each badge submission vary. You may be asked to upload images, audio, video and/or documents. Otherwise, you will be asked to share a URL that links to relevant work. If you are linking to a personal website, you must create a separate link/page specifically for the assets you wish to submit for consideration for this badge. Otherwise you must upload the assets you wish to submit for consideration for the badge into a Google Drive folder. Ensure that the “sharing setting” is set to “Anyone with the link” so our reviewers can view the folder.
Can I use Generative Artificial Intelligence in my submission?
Generative A.I. and plagiarized work are not accepted.
This program issues badges to humans, with a strict policy against accepting work created by Generative A.I. (like ChatGPT, MidJourney, FireFly, etc.) or plagiarized content. Any asset in a badge submission found to be in violation of these guidelines will automatically disqualify the badge submission without a refund. If a badge has already been awarded, it will be rescinded.
Submissions suspected of being created by Generative A.I. or plagiarized will undergo review by the digital badging advisory board. If your submission has been flagged, you will be notified via email and given an opportunity to show supporting evidence that you created the assets in question. The advisory board will give the supporting evidence thorough analysis and come to a determination. Appeals can be directed to contact@bricfoundation.org.
What counts as Generative A.I.?
Script or writing samples using ChatGPT, etc.
Images using MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, FireFly, etc.
What is allowed/accepted?
Audio filters, effects, and filters created by machine learning.
Check out the Badge Catalog!
BRIC Digital Badges show off your skills to potential employers, recruiters, and the world, helping you stand out from other applicants. These skills-based badges are a trusted way to quickly communicate your verified abilities on your resume and professional profiles.
About BRIC:
The BRIC Foundation has one main goal: to increase representation in Entertainment, Gaming, Media, and Tech. By strategically engaging with leaders across these industries, along with Government and Education Partners, BRIC strives to Break, Reinvent, Impact, and Change the foundations of these businesses and create inclusive opportunities for women and underrepresented people to be successful.
What is the Kannu platform?
BRIC has partnered with the Kannu platform to issue and manage our digital credentials. Kannu works with organizations and educators to provide digital badges and credentials to individuals worldwide.
Want more information about Kannu or about the process of managing digital credentials? Visit their Help Center.