Las Vegas, NV – Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a global leader in design and make software, has generously donated $1 million to the Group Effort Initiative (GEI). This organization is dedicated to establishing a clear pathway for individuals from underrepresented communities to gain hands-on experience that fosters long-term careers within the entertainment industry.
This year, amidst the historic WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the entertainment industry's halt had significant economic impacts, particularly affecting below-the-line workers and those just starting out in the field. In response to these challenges, and thanks to Autodesk's contribution, GEI more than doubled its educational and training programs. This ensured participants stayed connected to the industry even when productions were suspended. The collaboration with Autodesk will further expand educational programming across the eighteen cities where GEI operates over the next two years.
"When my wife Blake and I founded GEI in 2020, our goal was to create a steady flow of opportunities for underrepresented groups in our industry," said GEI co-founder Ryan Reynolds. "With Autodesk's help, we're not only giving participants more chances but also equipping them with the flexibility to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment. Autodesk software allows people to 'make anything,' and today we're incredibly thankful for their support in helping many shape their futures."
[Image description: A photo showing Ryan Reynolds and Autodesk representatives during the announcement of the donation. Caption reads: "Autodesk contributes $1 million to expand Group Effort Initiative educational programming."]
On Tuesday, Ryan Reynolds will join Autodesk Chief Operating Officer Steve Blum in Las Vegas for a fireside chat at Autodesk University, the company's annual design and make conference. The conversation will explore themes of change, focusing on how to adapt in industries that are rapidly evolving and how to drive positive change.
With Autodesk's backing, GEI is cultivating a workforce that is both adaptable and resilient. Training opportunities range from a four-day intensive Production Assistant bootcamp to virtual and in-person workshops on cameras and cinematography, non-fiction and documentary filmmaking, climate storytelling, and editorial/post-production career paths. Professional development includes mock interviews, resume reviews, and networking events.
"Autodesk is fully committed to ensuring the next generation of creators has the skills and experiences they need to succeed in a constantly shifting work environment," said Autodesk Chief Operating Officer Steve Blum. "Through our partnership with GEI, we're excited to support these future entertainment leaders with expanded access to training and networking opportunities to help them build successful careers."
GEI also offers one-on-one and group office hours tailored to individual professional development needs. Participants receive guidance and career advice through GEI's mentorship program, which has already matched 167 participants with industry professionals.
"During the strikes, GEI listened to participant feedback and seized the opportunity to ensure no gaps existed in their career growth," said GEI Executive Director Sumi Parekh. "Thanks to Autodesk's generous support, we can continue enhancing participants' skills and knowledge for current city-based job opportunities while expanding job prospects into new locations."
Job placement remains a key function of GEI, bridging the opportunity gap in an industry where personal networks are crucial. GEI has secured additional paid internships for participants through public-private partnerships during the strike. Since June, GEI has placed 70 Angelenos in paid internships funded by the City of Los Angeles’s Economic and Workforce Development Department and L.A. County’s Department of Economic Opportunity.
[Image description: A group of participants attending a GEI workshop. Caption reads: "Participants engage in a GEI workshop session."]
**About Autodesk**
The world's designers, engineers, builders, and creators trust Autodesk to help them design and make anything—from buildings to cars, bridges, products, and even the movies and games that inspire us. Autodesk's Design and Make Platform unlocks data-driven insights and automates processes, empowering customers to create the world around them and achieve better outcomes for businesses and the planet. For more information, visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk. #MakeAnything
**About GEI**
Launched and funded by Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively in August 2020, GEI aims to create a pipeline for underrepresented communities to build lasting careers in entertainment. Working with 280 company partners and 154 talent pipeline partners, GEI provides participants with on-set production experience, entry-level jobs, educational and professional development training, and mentorship. Since 2020, GEI has served over 1,000 participants, placing them in 844 paid internships, 136 corporate entry-level jobs, 182 PA placements on 118 partnering productions, and making 167 mentor-mentee matches. Additionally, GEI has hosted 75 educational events. For more information, visit groupeffortinitiative.com.
**Safe Harbor Statement**
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Autodesk AI and the Autodesk Design and Make Platform. These statements are not promises or guarantees of future product, service, or feature availability but reflect our current plans based on known factors. For further details, refer to Autodesk's Form 10-K and subsequent Forms 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Autodesk disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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