Image: Blog post written from the Harvard Library

Author: VANAS Team

What is Harvardwood?

Table of Contents

1. What is Harvardwood?
2. Why Was Harvardwood Created?
3. What Does Harvardwood Offer?
4. How to Get Involved in Harvardwood
5. Harvardwood and the Animation Industry
6. Harvardwood Success Stories
7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harvardwood?

Harvardwood is a creative community where Harvard University students, alumni, and faculty connect with the entertainment industry. If you’ve ever dreamed of working in Animation, filmmaking, screenwriting, music, or video game production, Harvardwood might be the perfect place to find mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development.

Harvardwood isn’t just about Hollywood; it has chapters worldwide, including Seattle/Vancouver, where Mario Pochat, CEO of VANAS, is the Co-chapter Head along with Jennifer Jue-Steuck. He hosts an annual VANAS conference with Harvardwood members, helping bridge the gap between academia and the entertainment industry.

Why Was Harvardwood Created?

Harvardwood, founded in 1999 by Harvard alumni Mia Riverton, film/TV executive Adam Fratto, and producer Stacy Cohen, was created to help graduates break into Hollywood. While many Harvard students study fields like animation, film production, or creative writing, landing a job in the entertainment industry can be challenging without the right connections. Harvardwood offers its members valuable access to professionals who can provide guidance and open doors in the industry.

Fun fact: Harvarwood started with 10 members and now have an international community of over 14,000.

What Does Harvardwood Offer?

Harvardwood has several key programs that help its members succeed:

• Harvardwood 101 – A career exploration program that introduces Harvard students to different parts of the entertainment industry.
• Harvardwood Writers Competition – A contest for writers to showcase their work and connect with producers.
• Harvardwood Highlights – A monthly newsletter featuring job opportunities, industry news, and member achievements.
• Internship Programs – Exclusive access to internships at studios, production companies, and animation firms.
• Chapters & Networking Events – Members can attend in-person events in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle/Vancouver to connect with professionals.

How to Get Involved in Harvardwood

If you’re a Harvard student or alumnus, you can sign up for a Harvardwood membership. Here are ways to get involved:

1. Join as a Student or Alumnus – Membership is open to all Harvard-affiliated individuals.
2. Join as a non-alums - Harvardwood is open to non-alums via sponsorship from a current Harvardwood member.
3. Attend Events & Panels – Harvardwood hosts online and in-person events featuring industry experts.
4. Apply for Harvardwood 101 – This program is a great way to gain hands-on experience in entertainment.
5. Network with Harvardwood Members – The connections you make can help you land internships, jobs, or mentorships.

Harvardwood and the Animation Industry

Harvardwood isn’t just for filmmakers and actors—it’s also a great resource for people interested in Animation. Many Harvardwood members work in animation studios, visual effects companies, and video game development.

Harvardwood members have worked on projects for:

• Pixar and Disney – Creating some of the most iconic animated films.
• DreamWorks Animation – Contributing to major animated franchises.
• Netflix Animation – Developing original animated series.
• Game Studios – Designing characters and environments for video games.

If you love Animation and storytelling, Harvardwood is a great place to meet like-minded people and start your journey into the industry.

Harvardwood Success Stories

Many successful professionals got their start through Harvardwood. Some have gone on to become film directors, animators, writers, and game designers.

Harvardwood continues to support up-and-coming talent in Animation, film, and gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of careers can Harvardwood help with?

• Harvardwood is great for careers in Animation, filmmaking, screenwriting, video game design, acting, music production, and creative writing.

Do I need to be a Harvard graduate to join?

• Yes, Harvardwood membership is mainly for Harvard students, alumni, and faculty.

Can high school students participate?

• Harvardwood doesn’t have a program specifically for high school students, but aspiring animators and filmmakers can start building their portfolios by taking online courses, such as those at VANAS.

How can I get an animation internship through Harvardwood?

• Harvardwood offers members access to internships in Animation studios, game design companies, and production houses.

Is Harvardwood only for people who want to work in Hollywood?

• No, Harvardwood has chapters in multiple cities, including Seattle/Vancouver, where Mario Pochat, CEO of VANAS, holds an annual conference with Harvardwood members.

To connect with Harvardwood members and industry professionals, attend the annual VANAS conference hosted by VANAS. Don’t miss this opportunity to network and become a Harvardwood member!