Lloyd Hackl, Exceptional Minds, June, 2011

Exceptional Minds, a 501(c) non-profit organization, was conceived in 2010 by the parents of young adults on the Autism Spectrum adept in digital visual arts but unlikely to ever work in traditional visual effects or animation studios due to various ASD-related challenges. This is the KNBC 4 News story about Lloyd, a 19-year-old student in the first EM Academy graduating class, and EM's first paid gig, courtesy of Sarah Siegel-Magness and Bobbi Sue Luther, producers of the feature film, Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (2011). It marks the beginning of an incredible 10-year run for Exceptional Minds Studio, where these artists could function in a fully-supported and nurturing creative environment, performing VFX, titles and animation work for TV and features - including every Marvel Studios production from 2014 to present, thanks to visionary producers like Victoria Alonso. Unfortunately, EM wasn't spared Covid-related disruptions and subsequent staffing issues; but we continue to hope for EM Studios' full return one day.
-Bob Hackl
Los Angeles