The Access:VFX Podcast

Getting the leadership title is one thing. What happens when you actually have to do the job? When you become responsible for other people’s careers. When you have to deliver feedback you know someone won’t like. When you’re promoted and quietly wonder whether somebody has made a terrible mistake. Or when you discover that the behaviours that made you successful are precisely the ones you now need to unlearn. In Part 2 of 'How Do You Actually Become a Leader in VFX and Animation?' hosts Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam reunite with Emma Kolasinska, Executive VFX Producer at Lux Aeterna; Lucy Cooper, Managing Director at Union Visual Effects; Dan Cripps, Animator, Animation Director and Head of Animation at Blue Zoo Animation; Kate Lander, Director, Career Expert and Workforce Development Specialist; and Jon Mason, Founder of Jollywise. This time, the conversation gets even more personal. The panel explores the strange experience of growing into a leadership title, the loneliness that can accompany senior responsibility and why feeling ready often comes long after the promotion itself. They share some of their biggest mistakes, from hiring decisions and financial blind spots to accidentally sending a Disney pitch to Nickelodeon! ...and explain why honesty, accountability and learning from failure are essential to building trust. They also challenge some of the industry’s most persistent leadership myths. Confidence is not the same as charisma. Admitting that you don’t know something is not weakness. Hiring people who are better than you is not a threat. And leadership does not mean having all the answers... it means bringing together the right people to find them. The conversation also looks beyond the workplace. When so much of your identity is tied to your career, what happens when the job changes... or disappears? The guests discuss mentoring, family pressures, burnout, side projects and the importance of building a life that is bigger than your title. This is an honest conversation about imposter syndrome, confidence, mistakes, identity, resilience and why becoming a leader is rarely the polished success story it appears to be from the outside. Because leadership isn’t 'golf and lattes.' As Jon Mason puts it, it’s usually 2am in the morning!

Working hard, becoming brilliant at your craft and earning a promotion should make you a great leader… right? Not necessarily. Being an exceptional animator doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be good at managing animators. Being a brilliant producer doesn’t prepare you for every difficult conversation. And being the most technically experienced person in the room doesn’t always make you the person others want to follow. So, how do you actually become a leader in VFX and animation? In the first of this two-part conversation, hosts Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam are joined by six leaders from across VFX, animation, production and workforce development to explore what career progression really looks like, and why getting the title is often only the beginning. Dasha Sherman, Co-Founder and Director at KoalaFX, Emma Kolasinska, Executive VFX Producer at Lux Aeterna, Lucy Cooper, Managing Director at Union Visual Effects, Dan Cripps, Animator, Animation Director and Head of Animation at Blue Zoo Productions, Kate Lander, Director, Career Expert and Workforce Development Specialist, and Jon Mason, Founder of Jollywise, share the lessons they’ve learned through building studios, leading teams and helping others take their next career step. Together, they discuss the importance of visibility without self-promotion, building an internal personal brand and demonstrating the 'extra value' you bring beyond your job description. They also explore why progression is rarely linear, how quieter and more introverted people can make themselves seen, and why not everyone needs (or wants) to climb the traditional leadership ladder. From creating opportunities for visibility and navigating non-linear careers to recognising hidden potential and learning when to step back, this is an honest conversation about what leadership really demands, and why success eventually stops being about what you can do and starts being about what you can help other people do.

Improve your reel. Network more. Attend events. Ask for feedback. Build your online presence. Keep creating. Stay positive. But what happens when you do all of that… and you still can’t get hired? This episode of the ACCESS: VFX Podcast began with a message from junior compositor and roto/paint artist Antony Buckman. Antony had sought mentoring, improved his reel, personalised his applications, listened to the advice and kept putting himself out there. Yet despite doing everything he’d been told to do, the opportunities still weren’t coming. And eventually the question becomes much more personal: If I’ve followed all the advice, why am I still not hired? For this episode, Simon and Nene bring together artists currently navigating that reality alongside recruiters who understand what is happening on the other side of the hiring process. Joining Antony are Ashley Obote, CG Generalist; Marie Boisnard, CG Generalist / Environment Artist; and Ilmi Perez Stubbs, 3D Character Animator. Offering the recruitment perspective are Jonny Adamson, Senior Talent Manager at BRAHMA AI (DNEG Group), and Tiffany Feeney, Founder of Talent Outpost and recruiter across feature film, television, commercials, animation, VFX, media and entertainment. Together, they unpack the emotional reality of repeated rejection, burnout while unemployed, recruitment 'ghosting', the overwhelming amount of conflicting career advice and the dangerous moment when 'my work isn't good enough' starts becoming 'maybe I'm not good enough.' The conversation also challenges some familiar industry wisdom. Is endlessly improving your reel actually helping? Is applying for hundreds of jobs really a strategy? How much of getting hired comes down to talent, and how much comes down to timing, project needs, positioning and plain old luck? Tiffany explains why a great portfolio can still be the wrong portfolio for a particular studio or sector, and why understanding exactly where your skills fit may be more valuable than simply sending more applications. Jonny takes us behind the scenes of recruitment: shifting projects, internal resourcing, hundreds of candidate conversations and the uncomfortable reality of the 'no-update update'. And our artists share what it actually feels like to live through the process, including something we don't talk about enough: you can burn out looking for work before you've even got the job. But ultimately, this is an episode about more than getting hired. It's about strategy. Community. Timing. Knowing when to step away. Finding your people. Separating your value from your work. And recognising that your career is unlikely to follow the neat, linear path you may have imagined when you started. Perhaps most importantly, it's about retiring one particularly unhelpful piece of advice: 'Just keep going.' Because persistence matters, but persistence without direction isn't a strategy.

How do you actually get noticed as a young animator? In this special episode of the ACCESS:VFX Podcast, Simon and Nene explore Young Animator of the Year UK, the free national animation competition that has helped launch the careers of some of the UK's most exciting emerging talent. Joining them are Tom Box (Co-Founder of Blue Zoo Animation and Young Animator of the Year UK Lead), Tanya Scott (BAA-winning Director and Young Animator of the Year UK Judge), alongside former winners Josh Palfrey, Amelie Colvin and two-time winner Nishaan Singh. Together they discuss what judges are really looking for, the biggest myths about breaking into animation, why storytelling matters more than perfection, and how competitions like Young Animator of the Year UK can open doors into the industry. If you're thinking of entering, entries are free and open to anyone aged 11–22 living or studying in the UK. You can submit 2D, 3D or Stop Motion animation, with finalists showcased at the Manchester Animation Festival. Entries close on 1st September. Find out more and enter at younganimator.uk

This week on The ACCESS:VFX Podcast, we're asking a simple question: Why does nobody talk about advertising VFX? When people think about careers in VFX and animation, they usually picture blockbuster films, episodic television or games. But some of the most innovative visual effects, animation and creative technology work is happening in advertising, and it's a career path that rarely gets the attention it deserves. Joining Simon Devereux and co-host Nene Parsotam is a panel of experts spanning animation production, creative technology, CG, robotics and commercial creativity. Together, they unpack the biggest misconceptions about advertising, explore how storytelling changes when you only have seconds to capture an audience's attention, and discuss why commercial work demands just as much creativity, technical excellence and collaboration as film and episodic production. The conversation also dives into the rapid pace of advertising, the growing role of AI, the crossover of skills between industries, and why careers in branded content and commercial production offer exciting opportunities for artists, producers and technologists alike. Whether you're already working in VFX and animation, considering a move into advertising, or simply curious about how brands create the campaigns we see every day, this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at a creative industry that's often overlooked, but full of opportunity. Featuring Amy Ashton (Freelance Animation Producer and Co-founder of BlackFrame), Tristan Ramsay (Founder and Creative Director of Frantic), Ethan Francis (CG Artist at Black Kite and Co-founder of CG101), Razik Darji (Creative Technologist at VML and Adobe Creative Ambassador), and Eunah Lee (Robotics, Cinematography and Creative Technologist at WPP), bringing perspectives from across commercial production, creative technology, animation and visual effects.

If VFX Doesn't Work Out... What Else Can These Skills Do? What if the skills you've built in VFX, animation or games were never limited to those industries in the first place? In this episode, Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam are joined by an international panel of artists, producers, educators, recruiters and entrepreneurs to explore why creative skills are more transferable than ever. From healthcare and architecture to automotive, property, education and digital experiences, the conversation reveals just how many opportunities exist beyond film and television. The panel discusses career pivots, transferable skills, storytelling, networking, personal branding, confidence, multiple income streams and why the idea of a single, linear career is becoming increasingly outdated. Featuring Alannah Belanger from Untold Studios, Tom Feist-Wilson from Union VFX, Lighting Artist and Property Investor Jermaine Rajis, Industry Educator Mark Flanagan, Talent Manager Cat Gulácsy and VFX Artist Inês Coimbra, this is an honest and reassuring conversation for anyone wondering what comes next. Because your career isn't defined by one industry... It's defined by the skills you take with you.

At 16, most of us thought everyone else had a plan. Pick the right subjects. Make the right choices. Don’t fall behind. Except… that’s not really how creative careers work. In this episode, Simon Devereux and co-host Nene Parsotam bring together artists, leaders and emerging talent from across VFX and animation to answer one question: What do you wish someone had told you when you were 16? The answers are honest, surprising, occasionally brutal… and probably not what you’d expect. This isn’t an episode about becoming successful by 21 or building the perfect portfolio. It’s about the things nobody tells you early enough: that careers rarely move in straight lines, that changing direction isn’t failure, that software matters less than you think, and that some of the skills that take you furthest aren’t taught in classrooms at all. From early career panic to sideways moves, from advice that changed everything to advice that turned out to be nonsense, the panel reflects on the pressure young people put on themselves, and what actually mattered in hindsight. If you’re 16, know someone who is, or occasionally wish you could send your younger self a voice note… This one’s for you. Guests: Joe Raasch - Head of Training, Pixomondo Will Noon - 3D Character & Creature Animator & Previs Artist, Framestore Alex Davy - Storyboard Artist, previously at Blue Zoo Animation Oktawia Sokalska - Junior Compositor, Viridian FX Zain Harris - Colourist, DISAUTHORITY Kara Orapallo - VP Crew Development, DNEG Animation Listen now! ...and maybe send it to someone who thinks they need their whole future figured out already.

What happens when young people spend hours gaming, editing videos, scrolling TikTok or watching YouTube? Are they wasting time… or developing skills adults don’t always recognise? In this thoughtful and refreshingly balanced conversation, we explore the growing gap between how young people engage with digital platforms and how parents often interpret that behaviour. Bringing together voices from games, animation, education and production, the panel looks beyond the headlines and asks whether gaming, content creation and online communities are building creativity, resilience and transferable skills in ways we don’t always acknowledge. Across the episode, the conversation explores what parents are really worried about when they think about screen time, the difference between passive consumption and active creation, and why ideas like 'games literacy' may become increasingly important in the future. This roundtable discusses how gaming can develop problem-solving, decision-making and learning through failure, while also unpacking the surprising links between video editing, storytelling, short-form content and modern creative careers. The discussion also examines how studios are adapting to changing audience behaviours, what creative employers are noticing in the next generation of talent, and whether visual and motion literacy are becoming just as important as traditional forms of communication. Importantly, the episode doesn’t ignore the challenges. The panel talks honestly about healthy boundaries, digital wellbeing and the moments when parents should step in, while offering practical advice for supporting curiosity without turning every hobby into a career plan. No judgement. No panic. Just an honest conversation about creativity, technology, learning and whether young people might already be developing skills for a world that adults are still catching up to. Guests: Del Walker - Lead Character Artist at Absurd Ventures, Professor of Arts at Norwich University and BAFTA committee member Marcia Deakin - Co-Founder, NextGen Skills Academy Grace Lane - Senior Communications Manager at Blue Zoo Animation Studio Lauren Middleton - Senior Games Production Coordinator at Framestore, Limit Break Mentor and Women in Games Ambassador

What happens when the pressure of working in VFX and animation stops feeling motivating… and starts becoming overwhelming? In one of the most open and honest conversations we’ve had on The ACCESS: VFX Podcast, this episode explores the realities of stress, burnout, anxiety, self-worth, imposter syndrome and emotional exhaustion across the creative industries... and why we need to start talking about these things earlier. Featuring artists, producers, schedulers, support specialists and industry leaders from across VFX and animation, the roundtable discusses the hidden pressures many people experience behind the scenes: long hours, instability, perfectionism, fear of speaking up, financial stress, comparison culture, and the difficulty of separating personal identity from creative work. But this episode is also about support, recovery, perspective and community. Featuring: Kate Lander - Director, Career Expert & ACCESS:VFX Board Member Kali Dronsfield - VFX Scheduling Manager at Electric Theatre Collective Dan Glass - Animator at Framestore Manie Moolman - Service Delivery Manager at The Film & Television Charity Alannah Belanger - VFX Executive Producer at Untold Studios Karina Bhojwani - Production Assistant at Vine FX This isn’t a conversation about having perfect solutions. It’s a conversation about making sure people don’t suffer in silence while trying to build creative careers. Support from The Film & TV Charity: The Whole Picture Toolkit: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/support-for-organisations/the-whole-picture-toolkit/ Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/stories-events/news/principles-for-mentally-healthy-productions-launched/ 1-2-1 services including mental health: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/get-support/

What Studios Look for in Emerging Talent… And What They Don’t! What actually matters when you’re trying to break into VFX and animation between 16–21? In this honest, myth-busting roundtable, recruiters, animation leaders and educators unpack what studios are really looking for in emerging talent, beyond perfect portfolios, grades and buzzwords. The panel explores the difference between raw talent and potential, why curiosity and resilience matter more than perfection, and the common mistakes juniors make in applications, reels and interviews. Topics include: Why 'passion alone' isn’t enough What recruiters notice in the first few minutes Why grades matter less than many think How to stand out without trying to look 'industry ready' The importance of storytelling, process and collaboration Burnout, resilience and protecting your creativity Why there’s no such thing as being 'behind' There’s also practical advice on improving showreels, taking feedback, networking authentically, learning how you learn best, and embracing experimentation. Guests include: Pheya Tribelsky - Talent Manager at Electric Theatre Collective Eamonn Butler - Head of Animation Division at Cinesite Ross Burgess - Head of Animation & Animation Director at Untold Studios Julia Marrone - Head of Recruitment, Canada at Framestore Oliver Gingrich - Animation Programme Leader at Greenwich University Hosted by Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam. A hugely reassuring, practical and refreshingly honest conversation for anyone wondering whether they’re 'good enough' yet, and a reminder that creative careers are rarely linear, and never one-size-fits-all.

If someone asked you today, 'Is VFX a safe career?' - what are they really asking? Job security? Stable income? Long-term sustainability? Or just reassurance that it’s a 'sensible' choice? In this episode of The ACCESS: VFX Podcast, Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam bring together artists, leaders and coaches from across the industry to unpack the reality behind the question. From Fraser Murdoch and Cat Gonçalves sharing the day-to-day realities of studio life, to Tom Box offering a studio founder’s perspective, this is a grounded look at how 'stability' actually plays out. We also hear from Isobel Hine, Courtney Pryce and Brooke McGowan on freelance vs staff realities, money myths, burnout, and what keeps people employable long-term. The big takeaway? There’s no single version of 'safe' - just different types of risk, at different stages of your career. The episode closes with honest advice for anyone considering VFX: who it’s a great fit for, who might want to think twice, and what actually makes a career sustainable over time.

University, College, Apprenticeship… or None of the Above? Part 2. If Part 1 explored the routes in, Part 2 asks the tougher question: what actually happens when those routes meet reality? Is there such a thing as a 'safe' path into VFX anymore? or is that idea already outdated? In this episode, Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam bring together voices from across the industry: university, apprenticeships, and non-traditional routes, to unpack what each path really offers (and what it doesn’t). From Marsida Shpendi’s experience inside higher education, to Ben White and Josh Ebanks proving success without university, to Sam Gallant and Emily Birkett sharing the realities of apprenticeships, this is an honest look at how careers actually take shape. Andy McNamara also tackles one of the biggest questions right now: are universities keeping up with AI, or falling behind student expectations? The big takeaway? There’s no single route! Just different paths, different timelines, and different trade-offs. The episode closes with practical advice for parents and young people navigating those choices. From what questions to ask, to how to deal with the fear of falling behind.

When most people hear 'VFX', they picture artists creating explosions or creatures. But that’s only part of the story. In this episode of The ACCESS: VFX Podcast, Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam challenge the biggest myth about the industry: that it’s all about art. We ask a simple question: if you removed every artist from a VFX studio, what roles would still be essential? From production and editorial to pipeline, IT, HR, finance and more, this episode shines a light on the many careers that keep studios running, and why they’re often overlooked. We also tackle a key misconception: you don’t need to be good at drawing to work in VFX. Skills like organisation, communication, problem-solving and systems thinking are just as critical, and often in higher demand. The conversation explores how everyday strengths, from loving spreadsheets to solving problems or spotting patterns, can translate directly into VFX careers. We also touch on neurodivergent strengths and why the industry can be a strong fit for different ways of thinking. For parents, carers and educators, this episode reframes the question. Instead of asking “are they artistic enough?”, ask: what do they enjoy, and how do they think? Featuring insights from: Sophie Maydon - Founder, Talent & Recruitment Consultant at PXL Talent Gidea Cunningham - VFX Line Producer at BlueBolt Tory Wire - Head of People at Union VFX Prince Raheem May - VFX Editorial and Sound A reminder that VFX isn’t just for artists. It’s for problem-solvers, organisers, and thinkers of all kinds.

Loving drawing, films or video games is often the starting point for young people who dream about working in visual effects, animation or games. But for parents and teachers, that passion can raise an uncomfortable question: is enthusiasm alone enough to build a real career? In this episode of The ACCESS: VFX Podcast, hosts Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam unpack one of the most common anxieties families have when thinking about creative careers. We explore the difference between interest, talent and potential, and ask what actually signals that a young person is developing real creative ability rather than simply enjoying a hobby. Is loving drawing, films or games a meaningful starting point... or just the baseline? Our guests share honest perspectives on how passion evolves into skill, what industry professionals really look for when reviewing junior work, and why persistence, curiosity and experimentation often matter as much as raw ability. The conversation also looks at the behaviours educators quietly recognise as signs of genuine creative growth: the young person who is always making things, tinkering, experimenting or learning outside the classroom. But we also ask a tougher question: is producing lots of work the same as actually improving? We examine where formal education fits into this journey. When does a degree or specialist course genuinely add value? What can structured learning provide that self-teaching often cannot? And what are the risks of pushing a young person into the wrong course too early? Along the way we discuss whether young creatives should specialise early or keep their options open, how messy and non-linear many real industry careers actually are, and how parents can offer support without accidentally applying pressure. Finally, we tackle the delicate balance between encouragement and realism. When should families start talking honestly about competition, rejection and sustainability in creative industries, and how do you do that without crushing motivation? Joining Simon and Nene for this discussion are: Kazia Roach - 2D Supervisor at One of Us Tom Harrison - CG Generalist at Electric Theatre Collective Klaudija Cermak - VFX Compositing Lecturer at Escape Studios and VES Global Board Director James Downes - Director, Animator & Technician, currently Assistant Technologist at Untold Studios Bradley McAvoy-James - Lecturer in Games Design at Brunel University London Raiyan Chinoy - Art Director and Lead VFX Artist at DISAUTHORITY Together they bring perspectives from industry, education and personal experience, sharing what they look for in emerging talent and what families should understand about creative pathways today. A reminder that loving the craft is only the beginning.

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest questions facing young people and their families: what is the 'right' route into VFX and animation? Is university the safest bet? Are apprenticeships under-rated? Can you still build a career without formal higher education? And is the idea of one clear, linear pathway already outdated? We unpack when formal education genuinely adds value; creative development, networks, time to experiment, structured feedback; and when it risks becoming an expensive holding pattern. We explore what actually gets someone hired today, what studios really look for beyond qualifications, and whether 'self-taught' is still realistic in an increasingly competitive global market. We examine apprenticeships as a serious route into industry, who thrives in that environment, and why they’re still poorly understood by parents and schools. We also discuss hybrid paths, combining study, freelance work and industry experience; and whether today’s young creatives need to think less about choosing one route, and more about building a portfolio of experience. Above all, we challenge the myth that there is a single 'correct' path. There isn’t. There are trade-offs, risks, timing considerations and personal differences, but no universal answer. Joining Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam for this conversation are: Jamie Bellamy, Compositor at One Of Us; Iggy Gill-Ces, freelance artist currently balancing study alongside industry work; Helen McAvoy-James, Head of Production at Union VFX; Saint Walker, Programme Leader at the University of Hertfordshire and author of Core Skills of VFX; Alfie Vaughan, VFX Supervisor at Coffee & TV and former apprentice; and Robin Fuller, Senior Lecturer at Norwich University of the Arts. Together, they bring perspectives from education, supervision, production, recruitment and lived experience across multiple routes into the industry. Different routes. Different outcomes. No single right answer, just honest perspectives to help young people and parents make better-informed decisions. Explore our events, and outreach initiatives at accessvfx.org and join our free global e-mentoring programme at accessvfx.org/mentors, connecting aspiring talent with real industry professionals across visual effects, animation and games. Download your copy of The Core Skills of VFX at: https://coreskillsofvfx.com/

In this episode, we unpack what actually defines a 'real' career in VFX and Animation. Is it a salary, a payslip and a clear promotion ladder, or passion, purpose and meaningful work? We challenge the long-standing myth that creative careers are inherently unstable, explore the realities of freelance versus staff roles, and separate genuine AI 'panic' from industry noise. We talk honestly about resilience, boundary-setting and the truth about long hours; and highlight the fact that the UK’s creative industries contribute more to the economy than oil, gas, automotive and aerospace combined. We also examine how younger generations are redefining success, and why making mistakes isn’t failure; it’s part of building a career. Joining Simon Devereux and Nene Parsotam for this conversation are Amy Smith, Global Director of Recruitment & Outreach at Framestore; Andrew Schlussel, Senior Director of Training & Development at DNEG Animation; Alban Orlhiac, VFX Supervisor at One Of Us; Phil Attfield, Co-Founder of NextGen Skills Academy; and Cerys Evans, Careers Lead at Into Film, bringing perspectives from recruitment, training, supervision, education and careers guidance across the creative industries. Explore our events, and outreach initiatives at accessvfx.org and join our free global e-mentoring programme at accessvfx.org/mentors, connecting aspiring talent with real industry professionals across visual effects, animation and games. For parents and carers looking for additional guidance, Into Film also offers a brilliant Parent & Carer Guide to Careers in the Screen Industries, available here: https://www.intofilm.org/news-and-views/articles/parents-and-carers-careers-guide

The ACCESS:VFX Podcast is back with a brand-new season, and this time we’re venturing beyond the world of Film and TV. In response to the evolving challenges in our industry, we’re exploring new creative frontiers and unexpected career paths in adjacent industries such as Legal, Fashion, and Architectural Visualisation. It’s a season dedicated to possibility, where VFX skills open doors in places you might not expect. In our latest episode, we’re shining a light on the world of Architectural Visualisation, or 'ArchViz', a space where storytelling meets structure and imagination becomes immersive environments. This is where visual effects and design intersect, transforming how we experience the built environment. Joining us for this conversation are four creatives who are pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling in architecture and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome Sam O’Hare, a Director and VFX Supervisor based in New York City; Mike “Chappers” Chapman, Creative Director at Electric Theatre Collective; Christiaan Klaassen, Senior Partner and Creative Director at DBOX; and Lautaro Vogel, Visualisation Director at Somewhere, part of the Uniform Group. Together, we explore how backgrounds in VFX can translate beautifully into architecture and design, and how these disciplines overlap in exciting ways. From career pivots and redefining creative collaboration, to navigating cutting-edge technology and forecasting what’s next for the industry, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. So whether you’re listening from your studio, your home office, or somewhere surrounded by blueprints, models, or renders, sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of 'ArchViz' through the lens of VFX. Also, check out Sam's work at oovfx.com, Chappers at electrictheatre.tv, Christiaan at dbox.com and Lautaro at wearesomewhere.net, uniform.net, and for any VFX freelancers interested in collaborating, please get in touch at jobs@wearesomwhere.net

The ACCESS: VFX Podcast is back with a new season where we're exploring VFX and Animation roles beyond Film and TV, exploring adjacent industries such as Legal, Fashion, and Architectural Visualisation. With the current challenges in our industry, we know many people are looking for new opportunities, and this season is all about showcasing unexpected but exciting career paths. In this episode, we’re joined by four incredible guests who are leading the charge at the intersection of fashion, digital innovation, and immersive technology: Costas Kazantzis – Lead Creative Technologist at the Fashion Innovation Agency, London College of Fashion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaskazantzis/ Website: https://costaskazantzis.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costas-kazantzis/ Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/costaskazantzis Damara Yolanda Inglês – Creative Director of Fashion Media and Interactive Virtual Experiences Instagram: @damara_in_ctrl Dajeong Dada – Sustainable Fashion Designer, Researcher, and Founder of Disrupt Attire Design Art Instagram: @da.dajeong Website: dadajeong.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dadajeong Rebekah Guo – Specialist Technician/Associate Lecturer atUniversity of the Arts London Instagram: @Unumstudio If you’ve ever wondered how your skills in VFX and animation could translate into an industry as creative and fast-moving as fashion, this episode is for you!

The ACCESS: VFX Podcast is back with a new season where we're exploring VFX and Animation roles beyond Film and TV, exploring adjacent industries such as Legal, Fashion, and Architectural Visualisation. With the current challenges in our industry, we know many people are looking for new opportunities, and this season is all about showcasing unexpected but exciting career paths. We kick things off with a fascinating conversation with Jamey Moore and Mark Seydewitz, Trial Services Specialists at Akin, a legal firm in Houston, Texas, specialising litigation support and trial services. On this episode, we learn how VFX artists play a crucial role in high-profile legal trials, sometimes sitting beside Nobel Peace Prize winners, crafting visuals that shape real-world justice; and, in all our years of podcasting, we never thought we’d be discussing monkey smuggling! So, file into court quietly, take a seat, and enjoy the first episode of this brand-new season of the ACCESS: VFX Podcast! Cases mentioned in this episode... Monkey Smuggling: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article287073860.html Somali Dictator (trigger warning: includes themes of genocide and torture): https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/bellevue-man-wins-torture-suit-against-former-somali-official/

Welcome back to another episode of the ACCESS:VFX Podcast, Season 4 Episode 13. If you caught Episode 11, you’ll remember our incredible conversation with Jet Omoshebi, Stirling Archibald, and Alex Zepherin - so insightful that we had to split it into two parts! In this, our season finale, we’re excited to bring you Part 2 of our 'Black Success Stories' discussion. Just as our last episode aired during Black History Month in the UK, this one arrives in time for Black History Month in the USA! Jet is a Senior Colourist at Goldcrest, and her mastery of color grading has made her one of the most sought-after talents in the post-production world.. Stirling is a VFX Supervisor at Electric Theatre Collective, where he leads cutting-edge visual effects teams to create awe-inspiring imagery for commercials, music videos, and films. Alex is the founder and Animation Director at Don Dada Studio, a creative powerhouse celebrated for its dynamic storytelling and stunning animation work. In our conversation we deep dive into race equity, exploring topics such as code-switching, microaggressions, navigating authenticity while meeting professional expectations in predominantly non-Black spaces, and the key habits and mindsets that have contributed to their success over the years. Enjoy the episode!