ACCESS:VFX, an industry-led non-profit
coalition of leading visual effects, animation and games studios, has
launched a European chapter. With the help of Glassworks and new
sponsorship from Netflix, the organization is building upon its mission to
promote diversity within the VFX industry by expanding into Europe. The aim of
the new chapter is to provide practical tools for up-and-coming creators across
Europe that are essential to succeed in the industry, including mock
interviews, reel reviews, virtual events and e-mentorships.
The new chapter will be led by Glassworks’chief operating officer, Chris Kiser, and supported by people and culture
coordinator, Bianca Crichigno. The European VFX studio has offices in London,
Amsterdam and Barcelona, with Kiser and Crichigno taking on the responsibility
to engage with creatives across Continental Europe.
“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.”
The European chapter’s first steps will be
to promote initiatives such as its e-mentoring scheme (sponsored by long-time
supporter The Foundry and new sponsor Netflix), industry apprenticeships and
awareness-building events. The team will also partner with local schools and
organizations throughout Europe. The growing chapter hopes to extend its
outreach to not only students within Europe, but those already working in the
industry or re-entering after having had a break from the workplace.
“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 [Garrett] and the team at Netflix,” said Simon Devereux, director and
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.”
Garrett, director of VFX (EMEA) at Netflix,
said, “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 U.K. and North America, including Montreal, New York,Chicago and the West Coast.