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 [email protected]