Key Takeaways
- VFS and WildBrain have launched the Robin Shea Award of Excellence, a $5,000 annual bursary for Animation students.
- The award honours Robin Shea’s legacy as a mentor, animator, and leader within the industry.
- Eligible students in VFS’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects and Classical Animation programs can apply annually for a minimum of five years.
When the creative industry loses one of its own, the impact extends far beyond a single studio or workplace. It ripples through classrooms, mentorships, and the careers shaped by their generosity.
Robin Shea – a veteran animator and graduate of Vancouver Film School’s very first 3D Animation & Visual Effects class – was one such pillar. Known for his integrity, kindness, and deep commitment to emerging artists, Robin left a lasting mark on both his peers and the next generation of animators.
In honour of his legacy, VFS has partnered with WildBrain, where Robin spent much of his career, to create the Robin Shea Award of Excellence – a bursary designed to support current VFS animation students as they pursue their education and careers.
“Robin was one of a kind” commented WildBrain in an official statement. “He led with integrity, kindness, passion for the industry and brought joy to everyone around him. He was deeply supportive of those starting out in their animation careers, and it’s in that spirit that we’ve created this bursary.”
ROBIN SHEA’S LEGACY
In June 2025, we lost a long-time and immensely impactful member of WildBrain’s studio community and the animation industry as a whole. Throughout Robin’s career he wore many hats, from animator to director, CG Supervisor to VP of Production Technology, and countless roles along the way.
Perhaps the role he cherished most was that of mentor. He gave encouragement, bestowed wisdom, and offered friendship to everyone he met. He was exceptional at spotting talent and was generous with his time to help others grow. It wasn’t unusual to see Robin talking for hours with artists, supervisors, or production personnel, listening to their frustrations, offering guidance, or simply having a good, fun conversation.
He made Production Technology an essential department at WildBrain and his influence is still felt today in the studio’s approach. Having someone who really understood artists, had deep technical knowledge and could explain issues to others was invaluable. Robin could be counted on for anything that was needed.
The Robin Shea Award of Excellence is a 5-year initiative that will provide $5,000 bursaries to current VFS Animation students.ABOUT THE BURSARY
Offered annually for a minimum of 5 years, this bursary will award $5,000 to students currently enroled in VFS’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects or Classical Animation program. Applicants must additionally be in good academic standing, demonstrate financial need, and include a portfolio displaying their best work at VFS.
While all students who meet these criteria are eligible to apply, we strongly encourage applications from individuals of all genders, diverse cultural backgrounds, and those of Aboriginal descent.
Although the bursary for 2026 has been awarded, we encourage future VFS Animation students to keep an eye out next year.
ABOUT WILBRAIN
WildBrain inspires imaginations through the wonder of storytelling. A leader in 360° franchise management – spanning Content Creation, Audience Engagement and Global Licensing – their mission is to cultivate and grow love for their own and partner brands through exceptional entertainment experiences.
Home to such franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Inspector Gadget, and Degrassi, they produce such acclaimed series as The Snoopy Show, Snoopy in Space, Camp Snoopy, Teletubbies Let’s Go!, Yo Gabba GabbaLand!, Sonic Prime, and Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City.
ABOUT VFS’S AWARD-WINNING SCHOOL OF ANIMATION
VFS’s School of Animation offers three distinct programs: 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Classical Animation, and Animation Concept Art. Students train hands-on in our production centre – featuring animation labs, a render farm, and a professional motion capture volume – as they work towards building a professional production portfolio that meets studio requirements for entry level positions.
If you’re an aspiring animator looking to train for the industry in just 1 short year, book an appointment with a VFS Advisor to discuss start dates, tuition, scholarship opportunities, and more.