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Access: VFX Launches European Chapter

Netflix joins The Foundry to support new chapter helmed by Glassworks’ Chris Kiser; studio coalition aims to promote diversity within the VFX industry.

The non-profit coalition of visual effects (VFX), animation, and games studios, Access: VFX, has launched a new European chapter. With sponsorship from Netflix, the organization is building on its mission to promote diversity within the VFX industry by expanding into Europe. In addition, the new chapter aims to provide practical tools to industry to up-and-coming creators, including mock interviews, reel reviews, virtual events, and e-mentorships.

Glassworks’ chief operating officer, Chris Kiser, will lead the new chapter with people and culture coordinator Bianca Crichigno. The chapter will begin by promoting initiatives such as its e-mentoring scheme (sponsored by The Foundry and new sponsor Netflix), industry apprenticeships, and awareness-building events. It will also partner with local schools and organizations throughout Europe with plans to extend its outreach to students and those currently working or re-entering the industry.

“I’m delighted and honored to be leading the Access: VFX initiative in Europe and look forward to making our presence known throughout the region,” said Kiser. “The VFX, animation, and games industries can be difficult to break into, and we want to change that. Our goal is to introduce a new generation to the kinds of opportunities available within the VFX industry in order to further diversify and expand the pool of talent across all disciplines.”

Established in 2017 to encourage diversity under its four pillars of Inspiration, Education, Mentoring, and Recruitment, Access: VFX is an industry-led coalition of 61 leading media and entertainment companies, including ILM, MPC, Epic Games, Cinesite, Foundry, and Framestore. An example of a sponsored educational & industry event was the recent UCAS Create Your Future. It reached thousands of potential future employees of primary school age and above across the UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada – working with organizations including We Are Stripes, Luma Pictures, Zoic Studios, The Molecule, Psyop, Into Film and NextGen Skills Academy.

“We’re ecstatic to finally have a presence dedicated to mainland Europe and couldn’t have done it without the unwavering commitment from Chris Kiser at Glassworks and the generous sponsorship from Caroline and the team at Netflix,” said Simon Devereux, Director & Founder at Access: VFX. “Their support and collaboration will be fundamental in growing our global e-mentorship scheme in Europe and helping connect aspiring creatives with new opportunities, advice, and support.”

Netflix Director of VFX (EMEA) Caroline Garrett added, “This is an exciting new chapter for Access: VFX that will provide an incredible opportunity to the many talented artists across Europe. Supporting and developing our industry is of paramount importance, and we are proud to help Access: VFX expand their efforts.”

Access: VFX’s European chapter joins ACCESS locations across the UK and North America, including Montreal, New York, Chicago, and the West Coast. Any Europe-based studios interested in joining the newly established chapter can contact Chris Kiser.

More information about Access: VFX is available at www.accessvfx.org.

Listen to the Access: VFX Podcast here.

Source: Access: VFX

Debbie Diamond Sarto's picture

Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.