Welcome back to another episode of the ACCESS: VFX Podcast, and our Pride Month Special Episode. On this episode we are joined by special guest co-host Boyan Georgiev, Key Lighting TD at Jellyfish Pictures, Chair of London ACM SIGGRAPH, and QVFX champion!Our wonderful line-up for this conversation areJoe Duffy - Global Talent Acquisition Lead, Jell…

For this weeks episode of The ACCESS:VFX Podcast we've gathered recruiters and talent managers from the visual effects, animation, and games industries to tackle over 90 killer career questions sent in via our community on social media.Joining Simon and Nene for our second 'ASK US ANYTHING' episode are 5 recruiters and talent managers, namely…Ellie…

On this weeks episode of The ACCESS:VFX Podcast we’re reflecting on this year's Women's History Month, with a brilliant 'near peer' panel of women who are new to the industry working across a range of roles in visual effects and animation. Joining Nene and Simon on this one are Eilidh Brown, Rigging TD at Axis Studios, Emily Birkett, Junior Composi…

For this weeks episode of The ACCESS:VFX Podcast we've gathered recruiters and talent managers from the visual effects, animation, and games industries to tackle 15 killer career questions sent in via our community on social media. Joining Simon and Nene for our first 'ASK US ANYTHING' episode are:Harriet Edge-Partington from Union Visual Effects,O…

Welcome back to a brand new season of the ACCESS:VFX Podcast!In this two-part episode, we’re celebrating International Womens Day and Women's History Month by chatting with four excellent guests from four of the newest additions to the ACCESS: VFX membership, including Annie Shaw from Realtime, Monica Garcia at Dimension, Rose Holt Matthews at Dupe…

On the evening of Thursday 21st September, XVFX, the ACCESS: VFX community for people of colour, held their ‘End the Summer with XVFX’ event kindly hosted at Framestore's London studio, and sponsored by Foundry.In addition to hosting a wonderful networking opportunity and event, we also had a dynamic panel discussion on the night with 'near peer' i…

The ACCESS: VFX Podcast is back with another special episode discussing all things artificial intelligence and machine learning! Joining Nene Parsotam for this conversion on the 'darker side' of AI are: creative communicator, artist and a social media producer at Unfold Stories, Savena Surana, Global Head of Creative Strategy at Automated Creative,…

The ACCESS: VFX Podcast is back with this special episode discussing all things artificial intelligence and machine learning! Joining Nene Parsotam for this conversion are Caroline Sheila Rouge, a Junior Compositor at Vine FX, Kalle Everland, freelance creative director in the advertising industry and Malachi James, Blue Zoo storyboard artist.…

We meet with Ace Ruele, Actor and Director of Creature Bionics. We have such an interesting conversation covering Ace’s journey from aspiring dancer, escaping a life of crime, his teaching work, all the way through to entering the uber-creative world of creature bionics and of course, visual effects.https://www.creaturebionics.com/https://www.linke…

We speak to Ere Santos, Animation Supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios. A conversation packed with incredible stories, advice and one of our best 'geeky sections' yet for budding animators!By ACCESS:VFX

We speak to Alisha Huxtable, Senior Production Coordinator at DNEG. We discuss work/life balance, STEM careers, some excellent industry advice and how there is more to creativity than drawing! This an advice-packed conversation that we hope you enjoy.https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisha-huxtable/By ACCESS:VFX

We speak to Declan Cassidy, the Chief Executive of Into Games, the UK’s largest non-profit dedicated to providing better career pathways into the games industry. If you have even an inkling of interest in the games industry, please get involved at https://intogames.orgBy ACCESS:VFX

On this episode we announce and celebrate the launch of ACCESS: VFX EUROPE! To tackle the big ‘20 questions’ on this episode we meet AVFX EUROPE co-chairs, Caroline Garret from Netflix, and Chris Kiser from Glassworks! You can sign up to be a mentee or an industry mentor at accessvfx.org/mentorshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-garrett-6b83294/h…

We welcome Senior Games Artist at Naughty Dog, Del Walker to take on the A:VFX Vaults 20 questions. A great episode packed with advice and insight. An essential listen.https://www.instagram.com/cartel.delBy ACCESS:VFX

With the rapid increases in energy costs, fuel, food, and accommodation, it is getting harder to pay rent, and simply exist whilst holding down entry-level roles on entry-level salaries. For episode 22 we meet industry financial experts who offer some guidance on how to navigate this challenging time for the next generation of talent coming through…

It's our Summer Special episode and we review the last 20 episodes of career advice 'golden nuggets' with Harriet Edge Partington Talent & Recruitment Manager, from Union VFX and Engy Jarrouj, Outreach and Inclusion Talent Partner at Framestore. If you're looking to get into VFX, Animation, or Games, this episode will give you the toolkit you need!…

We meet Robin Chowdury, Chief Operating Officer at dupe, the world’s first visual effects B Corporation! We discuss growing up in Sweden, a 12-year career in Retail Operations, traveling, barista rejection, a rewarding stint as a painter/decorator, and then helping out at dupe, quickly taking on a role setting them up as a B-Corp to COO of the stud…

We celebrate our partnership with 3Dami, Screenskills and NextGen Skills Academy for this years Young Animator of the Year competition. Our guest is Josh Palfrey, 2020’s best 3D Animation winner in the 15-18 age group, and now Blue Zoo Animation's youngest ever 3D Artist! A super inspiring conversation with a rising star in our industry!…

We speak to the brilliant Director/Producer HaZ Dulull! Fresh from his role as program chair at FMX we hear how he transitioned from a traditional VFX Artist career path to directing and producing movies and a unique insight into his journey so far, from growing up in East London to breaking into Hollywood and of course we discuss RIFT, his dual vi…

We chat with VFX Producer at Milk VFX Noga Alon Stein! With a career that kicked off with a short stint at New Black Films in 2010, closely followed by an 11-year tenure at Union VFX working her way up from Production Coordinator to VFX Producer working on such titles as The French Dispatch, Trainspotting 2, Three Billboards, Stan & Ollie and Opera…

We chat to DNEG Resource Manager Chanel Belliveau and hear about her career journey starting in production, her transition into "people management", and the importance of being assertive, but kind. With a passion for leadership training, people, and an advocate for mental health support this is a great listen!https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-bell…

We meet Luke Grieg, Junior VFX Editor at Freefolk who only got into the industry last Summer! We hear about his career path so far which has included a short stint as a primary school teacher and working for a South London record label. A great 'near-peer' conversation and one for those interested in non-traditional routes into the industry!…

It's our 'Mothers Day Special' on episode 14 where we meet with Leanne Loughran, Senior Recruiter at ILM. With a background in interior design, Leanne started out as an art teacher, then worked at a number of studios as a 3D Artist, co-founded an animation studio, then to specialise as a Talent Manager and Recruiter for some big name studios!…

In episode 13 we are joined by Mark Pinheiro! From beginning as a runner and in the libraries of TV stations, Mark has worked for 30+ years across TV, film, and stage production. Often named by the people who know, as the world's best VFX coach, Mark takes us through his amazing story so far.ACCESS:VFX BAME Industry Connect podcasts:https://www.you…

We chat to Jason Halverson, VFX Supervisor at Goodbye Kansas, who has worked with some of the biggest studios, on the biggest shows. We discuss Star Wars cameos, Matrix sequels, lunch with Ray Harryhausen, and the importance of collaboration and staying curious.By ACCESS:VFX

On episode 11 we are joined by a Digital Compositor, Laraib Atta who has worked for most, if not all of of the big names in Visual Effects & Animation! We discuss growing up in Pakistan, how her love for art, drawing, movies and storytelling eventually clicked into a career in visual effects, and how her brother gave her the best advice! Enjoy!Lara…

We chat with BlueBolt VFX Supervisor, Richard Frazer, discussing his life as a VFX Supe and his route into the role. We talk about "colouring in monsters", his aspirations growing up in Leicester, (yes, another guest from Leicester!), a mid-life career change, and being paid to be a nerd!By ACCESS:VFX

On episode 9 we invite Head of VFX at Ghost VFX, Annie Gordon to the A:VFX 'vault'. We discuss her production journey to date that includes, among others, credits on The Hobbit trilogy, and that you don't need to be a full 'VFX geek' to carve out an incredible career in the industry.By ACCESS:VFX

On episode 8 we meet Niall Smith, former VFX apprentice and now a firmly established Compositor at Jellyfish Pictures. This is essential listening for anyone interested in applying for a VFX apprenticeship. We discuss setting milestones, self-development and surrounding yourself with incredible mentors. For more info on VFX Apprenticeships head to …

On episode 7 we meet with Jasmine Katatikarn, CG Lead, Creativity Coach and Co-Founder of The Academy of Animated Art. We open the AVFX 'vault' and discuss breaking down creativity, 'pre-vizzing' your life, getting industry ready and creating photo-real tomatoes! Find out more about The Academy of Animated Art at academyofanimatedart.com and more f…

We promised 'near-peer' guests on the podcast and we have delivered on episode 6 where we meet Steph Preston, Digital Marketing Apprentice at Blue Zoo Animation Studio. We hear about their application experience, their role at Blue Zoo and the importance of representation and role models.Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-preston/https://www.l…

In episode 5 we meet Chris Fryer, Digital Compositor at Industrial Light & Magic. We hear about his career to date, some 'near-peer' top tips, how confidence is a skill, 'killer lizards', and his experience at a seasoned ACCESS: VFX Mentor! If you are starting out in the industry this is a must-listen.…

Simon chats to Suraj (Sid) Harrington Odedra, Head of CG at Unit VFX. Sid talks us through his career journey from the worry of mischoosing his A-levels, then heading off to Uni, breaking into The Mill via Escape Studios, going on to work on amazing projects such as The Chemical Brothers music videos. Don't miss the invaluable advice that he would …

In this episode, we hear from Alywn Hunt, Co-Founder of The Rookies, a platform that helps digital artists get discovered without having to compete with professionals for attention. We hear about Alwyn's work from starting out as a chef, through to building CG dragons, and his work as a Texture Artist. We also get a sneak peek at what is coming soo…

Hear Mark's golden advice on how he career-journeyed from living in a small farming village, seemingly a million miles from the world of TV, from working in a nursing home, verrucas plaster factory, a production manager, a university course leader and a live-action feature film director to eventually become the Head of Aardman Academy!…

We're back! Welcome to a new season of the ACCESS:VFX Podcast. In this new season, we're doing things a bit differently; interviewing a different member of the VFX, Animation & Games community in each episode, asking them to share their career journey, career advice and thoughts on how we can build a more progressive industry. In this episode, we c…

ACCESS:VFX is proud to announce the launch of an antipodean chapter for those living in, working in or hoping to live or work in Australia & New Zealand. We hear how the chapter hopes to help diversity, inclusion and opportunities within their local industry, including matters of gender, indigenous peoples, LGBT and neurodiversity.This podcast conv…

With the current state of the world, young people face a bleaker outlook than ever, so in this podcast, we deep-dive into ways the industry is helping young people, what more can be done and how teachers and parents can nurture blossoming creative passion.We speak to Amy Smith from Framestore, Phil Attfield from NextGen Skills Academy, Peter Kemp f…

After our short Summer Break the ACCESS:VFX podcast is back!In episode 43 we catch up with our Chicago chapter and welcome Sandrine Gaillot (Immigration Attorney) to the pod. Ever thought about working in the USA or Canada and don’t know where to start? This session, recorded with a live, virtual audience will answer your questions on the VISA proc…

In advance of our link up with the Film & TV Charity for the Spider-Man: Behind the Web tweet-along and fundraiser on 6th August we gathered industry participants to discuss their involvement with the event.The charity was founded in 1924 and supports all those who work behind the scenes, from production and post, creators and crew, through distrib…

Welcome to Episode 41 of the ACCESS:VFX podcast! A 'new chapter' special. We have historically spoken at great length about a West Coast Chapter or LA chapter of ACCESS:VFX, and often those conversations started off with best intentions and then slowly lost traction. We are pleased and proud to announce that ACCESS:VFX West Coast launches today wit…

With the recent news of significant numbers of industry redundancies as well as the continued furloughing of many members of the visual effects community, we wanted to pull together an episode that focusses on offering support to both those people and offering hope to emerging talent who may have questions about the stability of the VFX industry. O…

On episode 39 of the ACCESS:VFX podcast we welcome back our Industry Connect team for the second part to the conversation we kicked off in part-one with black and ethnically diverse members of the visual effects and animation community, responding to recent events and sharing their experiences of racism working in visual effects and animation. We w…

On this episode, we gather Black and ethnically diverse members of the visual effects and animation community to put out a recording as a response to current events - namely the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minnesota police department and the subsequent rallies and protests that have erupted globally against police brutality and racism…

37: Standing Out While Staying In #3The third episode in our careers advice series, 'Standing Out While Staying in', with special guest, Royal Television Society!Hosted by: Simon Devereux, Founder of ACCESS:VFXWith guests:Jude Winstanley, RTS FuturesTom Box, Blue ZooAlice Tuxford, DNEGSaint John Walker, Escape StudiosKatie Gascoyne, Blue ZooAndrew …

Matt Sackley - Freelance Character Animator www.mattsackley.comAndrew Maggio - Editorframecycle.comKatrina Zimmerman - Senior Art Directorkazimmerman.com Ryan Urban, Visual Effects Supervisorhttps://www.ryanurban.infohttps://www.turncoatpictures.comSara Kopke, 2D animator and Illustrator http://sarakopke.com/Applicable links that we mentioned in th…

The feel good episode to lighten your spirits! Hardcore members of the Q (Queer) VFX team come together for a casual chat about favourite activities and entertainment in lockdown. With members of the Q-VFX team:Sarah de Schot, Co-founder of Q-VFXBoyan 'Bobby' Georgiev, DNEGJeszen Stokes, DNEGChloé Deneuve, Blue ZooGrace Hebditch, Blue ZooIzzy Genov…

Following up from our episode, 'Standing Out While Staying In', we assemble a group of marketing and PR experts to help you nail self-promotion and how you present yourself online at this pivotal time. With special guest, Motivational Speaker and Owner of Spark Creativity, Reuben Milne. Hosted by: Simon Devereux, Founder of ACCESS:VFXWith guests:Li…

We discuss ways we've been coping with working from homeTom Box (Blue Zoo)Grace Hebditch (Blue Zoo)Jenny Burbage (Milk)Rory Jones (Milk VFX)Andy Brassington (Escape)Sara Ricci (Framestore)Pete Rogers (Bait)Jeszen Stokes (DNEG)Chloe Campbell (Foundry)Paul Wilkes (The Mill & MPC)Sarah Tanner (Jellyfish)Welcome to another special ‘celebrity squares’ e…

Regular podcast subscribers will know that we discussed the subject of parenting and caring responsibilities in last year’s VFX Mums and Dads episodes.Now the combo of parenting and homeschooling is more prevalent now more than ever – all whilst continuing to deliver of projects, jobs and shows.So this episode entitled ‘The ACCESS:VFX Guide to Cari…