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 chat with the mighty VFX executive producer Gin Godden!
For more information about the XVFX initative, visit https://www.accessvfx.org/xvfx

201: Gin Godden, VFX Producer & XVFX Co-Lead

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!

202: Mark Simon Hewis, Head of the Aardman Academy

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.linkedin.com/pulse/trans-awareness-week-2021-steph-preston/
https://www.multiverse.io/en-GB/programmes/digital-marketing

206: Steph Preston, Digital Marketing Apprentice

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.

209: Annie Gordon, Head of VFX, Ghost VFX / The Farm

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-belliveau-50768a72/

216: Chanel Belliveau, Resource Manager, DNEG

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 video game, and companion feature made entirely using Unreal Engine 5.

218: HaZ Dulull, Director/Producer, HaZimation

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 studio! A wonderfully untraditional route into the industry and essential listening!

220: Robin Chowdhury, COO, dupe vfx

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.del

223: Del Walker, Senior Games Artist, Naughty Dog

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.org

225: Declan Cassidy, Chief Executive, Into Games

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/

226: Alisha Huxtable, Senior Production Coordinator, DNEG

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!

227: Ere Santos, Animation Supervisor, Walt Disney Animation Studios

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.linkedin.com/in/aceruele/

228: Ace Ruele, Actor and Director of Creature Bionics

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.

301: AI Special with Nene Parsotam

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 VFX and Abi Klimaszewska from Black Kite. 

This is a truly inspiring conversation covering career advice, challenges, great mentors and more.

401: International Womens Day Special

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,
Ollie Gilmour from Electric Theatre Collective,
HaZ Dulull Co-Founder of HaZimation,
Karley Bittner from Blue Zoo Animation Studio,
Celia Hunt, CGI Production Talent Manager from Aardman, 
and,
Ethan Clark, Talent Acquisition Manager at REALTIME

If you enjoyed this episode and would like YOUR burning career questions answered, then please email us at info@accessvfx.org and we'll have you covered on 'part two' of ASK US ANYTHING, coming soon...

Also, if you're interested in any of the opportunities discussed on this episode check out the links below:

HaZimation: https://hazimation.com/contact
Blue Zoo: https://careers.blue-zoo.co.uk/
Union: https://www.unionvfx.com/careers/ (blowing up soon!)
Realtime: https://careers.realtimeuk.com/
Aardman: https://jobs.aardman.com/vacancies/
ETC: https://electrictheatre.tv/careers/

402: VFX & Animation Recruiters - ASK US ANYTHING

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 Compositor at Union VFX, Paula Ezuma, Junior Compositor at Framestore and Daisy Kavanagh, Junior Animator at Blue-Zoo Animation Studio.

This is an episode we’ve been planning for a while now, and it does not disappoint, 

We hope you enjoy this wonderful conversation with some of the newest members of our community in our Womens History Month and 'near peer' special!

403: Womens History Month Special - VFX & Animation 'Near Peers'

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 Algar, Recruitment Manager for Framestore,
Joe Duffy, Global Talent Acquisition Lead for Jellyfish Pictures,
Chloe Hardy, Talent Partner at Foundry,
Paul Wilkes, Talent & Recruitment Consultant at PXL Talent, 
and,
Tiffany Feeney, Global Executive Headhunter & Recruiter at Talent Outpost

Also, if you're interested in any of the opportunities discussed on this episode check out the links below:

Jellyfish Pictures: jellyfishpictures.com/join-us
Framestore: framestore.com/careers
Foundry: foundry.com/careers
PXL Talent: app.loxo.co/pxl-talent
Talent Outpost: talent-outpost.com/talent-services

404: VFX & Animation Recruiters - ASK US ANYTHING, Part 2

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 are

Joe Duffy - Global Talent Acquisition Lead, Jellyfish Pictures
Stevie Gill -  CG Supervisor, Axis Studios
Lauren Auty - Storyboard Artist, Blue Zoo Animation Studio
Paula Crickard - Co Founder of HaZimation
Gary Roberson - Senior Software Engineer, Dimension Studio

405: Pride Month Special

Welcome back to the ACCESS: VFX Podcast!

Our season launch on International Women's Day faced some tech challenges, but thanks to our amazing studios and hosts, we had a great start. Now, we’re excited to bring you the originally planned episode, featuring:

Louise Hussey, Industrial Light and Magic - From Molinare to ILM, Louise's journey includes pivotal roles at DNEG and Animated Women UK.

Binal Shah, Framestore - With experience at Rhythm and Hues, Weta Digital, ILM, MPC, and Framestore, Binal’s animation credits span major films like The Golden Compass and Doctor Strange.

Olly Nash, BlueBolt - A seasoned 3D animator with roles at Skaramoosh, Clear Post Production, Prime Focus, and more, now leading at BlueBolt.

Dara McGarry, DNEG Animation - From Walt Disney Animation to DNEG, Dara’s career includes roles in resource management, production supervision, and outreach.

Joined by co-host Nene Parsotam, we hope you enjoy Season 4, Episode 6 - International Women's Day TAKE 2!

406: International Womens Day 'Take 2' 🎬

On the ACCESS: VFX Podcast this week, it's our third instalment of 'ASK US ANYTHING', where we put a call out to our community and gather killer career questions for a panel of ace visual effects and animation recruiters!

Attempting to take on YOUR questions this time are:  

Harriet Edge Partington, Talent and Recruitment Manager at Union Visual Effects,
Jonny Adamson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at DNEG and A:VFX Board member,
Harry Jones, Operations Director at Time Based Arts,
Cassandra Jovicic , Senior Recruiter at Zipline (formerly Global Head of Recruitment at Luma Pictures) and,
John Stopforth, former Head of Education at Escape Technology and co-host of The Graphters Podcast!

Joined by regular co-host for this season Nene Parsotam, we present ASK US ANYTHING PART 3!

407: VFX & Animation Recruiters - ASK US ANYTHING, Part 3

In this weeks episode, we’re spotlighting NextGen Skills Academy’s recruitment for Junior Visual Effects Apprenticeships.

Applications are now open with a closing date of midnight (BST) on Thursday 29th August 2024.

Apply here:

https://www.nextgenskillsacademy.com/course/apprenticeships

VFX Apprenticeships are an incredible opportunity to 'earn while you learn' on the job, and take time to study in the classroom. A Junior Visual Effects Apprenticeship offers the perfect balance of practical experience and academic learning, giving you the tools to launch your career.

Joining Nene and Simon for this inspiring discussion are:

Adem Suleyman, Senior Generalist TD at Lola Post, and former apprentice at The Mill!

Ericka Marie Go, Creature TD at ILM, and former apprentice at DNEG!

Samuel Gallant, current VFX Apprentice at Framestore!

So if you’re considering applying this year, take a beat, and listen to our VFX Apprenticeship Special!

Enjoy and GOOD LUCK!

408: VFX Apprenticeship Special

On the ACCESS: VFX Podcast this week, we’re sharing the live podcast we recorded at this years Rainbow Conference hosted by London ACM Siggraph on Friday 6th September 2024. 

Joining this episode are three ACCESS VFX mentees have been part of the ACCESS: VFX global e mentoring programme, including:

Sofi Kocsmarszki, Coffee & TV Apprentice)
Lola Kalyango, Production Coordinator at One of Us
Brenda Ximena Roldan Romero, Animator at Framestore, and Vice-Chair of London ACM Siggraph

This episode provides a rare insight into the impact that e-mentoring has on the next generation talent.

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in a live environment, so there is an element of background noise that we hope doesn't impact your enjoyment of this episode.

409: E-Mentoring Special, LIVE from Rainbow Conference 2024

This week's episode focuses on the theme of neurodiversity, as Simon and Nene welcome an inspiring panel of neurodivergent VFX and Animation professionals, including:

- Amelie Chagnon-Fathe’ (Employer Brand Marketing Specialist at Cinesite)
- Ellie Algar (Senior Recruitment Manager - Technology & Immersive at Framestore)
- Bridget Dash (Talent Acquisition Manager for DNEG Feature Animation)
- Simon Taylor (Series Director & Animator at Blue Zoo)

Together, they engage in a thought-provoking and multifaceted discussion that explores not only their personal journeys but also the broader implications of neurodiversity in the animation and VFX industries. 

The episode covers a variety of neurodivergent conditions, some of which are explored below to help listeners better understand the specific traits discussed:

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): A condition involving symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. ADHD can impact organisation, focus, and emotional regulation, often requiring tailored approaches for individuals to excel in structured settings.

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): Encompasses a range of conditions affecting social interaction, communication, and behaviour. ASD often includes unique sensory sensitivities and specific interests, with the term "spectrum" reflecting the diversity in abilities and challenges.

Dyslexia: Primarily affects reading, spelling, and comprehension, often coupled with strong creative or problem-solving skills. Dyslexia demonstrates how neurodivergent traits can sometimes align with exceptional strengths in certain areas.

Dyscalculia: A learning difficulty involving numerical skills, such as counting or basic arithmetic. Dyscalculia is a reminder of the range of specific learning differences that can impact academic and workplace performance.

Dysgraphia: Impacts writing abilities, including handwriting, spelling, and typing. Dysgraphia presents unique challenges in written expression, often co-occurring with other conditions like dyslexia.

Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder): A condition that affects motor skills and coordination, making physical tasks challenging. Dyspraxia can impact activities requiring fine motor skills, like writing or buttoning clothing, as well as affect planning and memory.

Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD): Characterised by challenges with visual-spatial tasks, motor skills, and nonverbal cues, despite strong verbal and reading abilities. NVLD highlights the diversity within neurodivergent conditions, as individuals may face challenges in specific, nuanced areas.

Neurodiversity: Refers to the natural variations in human neurology, promoting the acceptance of diverse brain functions rather than viewing them solely through a deficit-based lens. Neurodiversity advocates for inclusivity and recognition of neurodivergent strengths.

Masking: A coping strategy where neurodivergent individuals imitate neurotypical behaviours to fit into social or professional settings. Masking can be emotionally exhausting and impact mental health, yet many neurodivergent individuals feel societal pressure to mask.

High-Functioning/Low-Functioning Labels: Terms sometimes used to describe perceived levels of independence or support needs within ASD. These labels, however, can be misleading, as strengths and challenges are often context-dependent and may not accurately reflect an individual's abilities.

This insightful episode encourages greater understanding and allyship, illustrating how small changes can make a substantial impact in creating a more inclusive industry. The stories, strategies, and shared experiences from these industry professionals serve as a reminder of the unique contributions that neurodivergent individuals bring to the creative world.

410: Neurodiversity Special

Welcome back to another episode of the ACCESS:VFX Podcast! Season 4 Episode 11. 

In this special episode, we’re shining a spotlight on Black Success Stories in honour of Black History Month. Join us as we celebrate the groundbreaking contributions of Black professionals who are shaping and transforming the creative industries.

This inspiring conversation features a powerhouse panel of trailblazers who have made waves in VFX, animation, and beyond:

✨ Alex Zepherin — Founder and Animation Director at Don Dada Studio. Alex is a creative visionary redefining animation with bold storytelling and a mission to amplify underrepresented voices.

🎨 Jet Omoshebi — Senior Colourist at Goldcrest. Renowned for her mastery of colour grading, Jet’s work brings emotion, depth, and vibrancy to acclaimed films and television projects.

🎥 Stirling Archibald — VFX Supervisor at Electric Theatre Collective. Stirling’s technical expertise and creative direction breathe life into awe-inspiring visuals across commercials, music videos, and film.

Due to some technical challenges during recording, we’re bringing you a part one of this incredible discussion, with the follow-up episode slated for release early next year. Stay tuned for more!

🎧 Grab a seat with hosts Nene Parsotam and Simon Devereux, and dive into the remarkable journeys of Alex, Jet, and Stirling. This episode is packed with insight, resilience, and inspiration that you won’t want to miss!

411: Black Success Stories - Part 1

In this series of episodes, we’re finding out what it’s really like to move to a big city and get a first job in a VFX studio on an entry-level salary. In this episode Lucy Cooper, MD at Union VFX chats to artists at the studio on their experiences of moving to London and share some nifty budget-maximising tips.

03: Tips on living in London on an entry-level salary from Union VFX

The third instalment in our series of talking to Runners where we find out the real deal on what it's really like to join a VFX studio at entry level. In this episode Cinesite Runners Charlotte and Vanessa chat about their experiences and Simon talks to Chee Yen and Katie, who are both current Runners at The Mill, about how they got their industry break and how it has differed from their expectations.

04: Runners at Cinesite and The Mill share their tips and experiences

Find out why studios are embracing a new way of super-charging the U.K’s talent pipeline, and why your studio needs to get involved. We speak to NextGen Skills Academy, UK Screen Alliance and Framestore to get the facts without the fluff.
To find out more visit https://www.nextgenskillsacademy.com/

05: VFX Apprenticeships for studios

In this episode, MPC NY VFX artists Ash Yee and Giulia Bartra chat to each other about their experiences of moving to New York and breaking into the industry.
Ash Yee is a CG Generalist with a Lighting specialty. She holds a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and graduated in 2015.
Giulia Bartra is a Visual Effects compositor specializing in beauty and photography who graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2016. Besides Visual Effects, she loves watercolors, making soap and pretending to be a chef.

11: Ash Yee and Giulia Bartra from MPC New York on breaking into the industry

In partnership with UK Screen Alliance and AnimationUK we reveal a major new report on Inclusion & Diversity in UK VFX, animation & post-production sectors highlighting unsung progress + areas for improvement. This podcast discusses why the survey was needed, and what the resulting actions are.

With:
Simon Devereux, Founder of ACCESS:VFX @ The Mill
Neil Hatton, CEO UK Screen Alliance

Hosted & recorded by Tom Box, Non-Exec Director of ACCESS:VFX

16: The Inclusion & Diversity Survey

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 welcome back Nene Parsotam as co-host for this episode, and...
Kenny Addeh (Motion Designer)
Prince Yiadom (Compositor)
Anne Akande (Production)
Hannah Wong (Animator)
Shanae Bedford (Marketing)
Larib Atta (Compositor)
Bimpe Alliu (Concept Artist)
Louise Kalyango (VFX Student)
Mark Pinheiro (Compositor, Director, Supervisor)
Michael Morgan (Animator)
Haydn Corrodus (Social Media Strategist)

If you'd like to put your name forward to join the ACCESS:VFX board, please get in touch directly at simon@accessvfx.org by midnight on Friday 19th June. We are keen to increase our board membership by 2, and to diversify the board we would strongly encourage applications from BAME candidates

39: BAME Industry Connect #2

Discussing inclusion, diversity, awareness and opportunity within the VFX, Animation & Games industries.

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