The Access:VFX Podcast

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 or is that idea already outdated?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