Episodes
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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. -
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. -
Missing episodes?
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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! -
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! -
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! -
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 -
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 -
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! -
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 [email protected] 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/ -
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. -
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' industry guests from our members' studios, in creative, production and tech positions.
Expertly chaired by ACCESS: VFX board members, Executive Producer Anne Akande and Creative Director Nene Parsotam, all MC’d by VFX Supervisor and Filmmaker, Mark Pinheiro
Our brilliant panel provided insight from DNEG Line Producer, Alisha Huxtable, Framestore Labs Support Engineer, Derin Owodunni and Creative Storyteller, Hameed Adigun. -
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, Amy Wright and Co-Founder & Head of Video Production at Univid, Jide Johnson. -
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.
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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/ -
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!
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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/ -
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
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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/mentors
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-garrett-6b83294/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskiser/
Hosted by Simon Devereux, Produced by Tom Box -
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 -
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.
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