Virtual Animated Storytelling FAQs
What do I need in order to participate in the Virtual Animated Storytelling Groups?
You must be 15-24 years old and a NYC resident to participate. Virtual groups meet twice a week for 6 week cycles. Before every film cycle, there will be an opportunity to register for it. Once registered, you can log into the zoom meeting for all scheduled groups. A Zoom link will be provided for each cycle. Click here for access to the group schedules and registration info.
Where are the groups located?
On zoom. You will be emailed reminders containing a Zoom link for each group you are registered for.
When do the groups run?
All virtual groups take place from 4:00 - 5:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday through June 2023.
What do I need in order to participate in the virtual group?
A device (desktop, laptop, tablet, phone) with a working internet connection
Access to Zoom
Do I need any artistic skill to participate?
Absolutely not! There are so many ways you can contribute to the group. Most importantly of all, we want to hear your ideas!
Do I need to download software to participate?
No, but there are several software options out there if you are interested in learning more after this program. You will learn what they are and how to access them.
Do I need to have my camera on to participate in the group?
This is an incentivized career development group, and the only way your ideas can be shared is through your active participation! We expect you to have your camera on and to actively participate in the group process through your mic and/or the chat.
How many people can come to a group?
Each group will be limited to 12 participants on a first-come-first-served basis. Join early!
How do I know if I am one of the first 12 in the Waiting Room of the virtual group?
When you first log in and the group IS NOT open yet, the window will look like this:
The Waiting Room opens at 3:45pm. When you are officially added to the Waiting Room, the window will look like this:
You will only be let into the group if you are within the first 12 to join the Waiting Room, and you will not know if you are one of the first 12 until you are let into the group. The only exception is if one of the first 12 participants is unable to connect their device by 4:15pm. The facilitators will then fill their spot with the next person in the waiting room, so we encourage everyone to stick around until 4:15!
If you are still in the waiting room after 4:15pm, you will be sent a message stating that you were not one of the first 12, and you will be asked to try again next time.
What if I’m having trouble with my internet connection?
We understand that technical difficulties do occur. We recommend that you test your internet connectivity and Zoom link prior to the start of the group to allow you time to troubleshoot any issues.
Unfortunately, if you don't see the window that says “The meeting host will let you in soon” before logging out and retrying the connection, you will not be able to keep your spot in the queue and will likely be moved to the bottom of the list in the Waiting Room.
Your best bet is to stay logged in with a secure connection even if you see the first message about waiting for the Host so you can maintain your standing at the top of the waiting list.
If you were let into the group but are unable to connect between 4:00 and 4:15pm, your spot will be given to another participant in the waiting room in order to allow opportunities to the most number of participants.
What happens if I come late?
The Zoom Waiting Room will open at 3:45pm and the first 12 participants in the waiting room will be admitted at 4:00pm. No participants will be admitted after 4:15pm.
What if I can’t make a group I’m registered for?
If you are registered for a group cycle, you can join any group within that cycle. It is not mandatory to join every group and you don’t need to notify anyone if you can’t make it. Join on the days you are able to!
What happens at the end of a cycle?
Each cycle consists of 2 groups a week for 6 weeks. On the last day of a cycle, there is a public screening of your film. You can invite friends and family to join the Zoom meeting to celebrate your accomplishment.
You will receive a digital certificate of completion and a link to your final film, no matter how many groups you joined within a cycle.
A new cycle will begin the following week. You will need to register for each 6 week cycle you wish to attend. Be sure to follow our program schedule here.
Incentives Payment
How much will I get paid for each group?
You will receive $10 for each session. You must stay for the entire group in order to receive your incentive.
How will I get paid?
Cards will only be sent to participants who stay until the end of the group. A visa card will be mailed to the address with which you registered within a week of the group you attended. Please allow up to 2 weeks for your card to arrive.
If you would like your card to be sent to a different address, please notify incentives@theanimationproject.org as soon as possible.
How do I activate and use my card?
Activation instructions are on the front of the card. Your card can be used where most debit cards are accepted.
Who do I contact with questions about my incentive?
incentives@theanimationproject.org
Who do I contact for group-related questions?
group@theanimationproject.org or lyndon@theanimationproject.org