The Access:VFX Podcast

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 And is the idea of one clear, linear pathway already outdated?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 [email protected]

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/