The Access:VFX Podcast

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.