@DAX | Digital Arts Xchange Connects with Simon Devereux - Founder of ACCESS:VFX
Driving Diversity and Opportunity in the VFX, Animation, and Games Industries.
Founded by Simon Devereux, ACCESS:VFX is an industry-led non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering inclusion, diversity, awareness, and opportunity within the Visual Effects (VFX), Animation, and Games sectors. Established in 2017 and incorporated as a non-profit in December 2018, our work is built upon four core pillars: Inspiration, Education, Mentoring and Recruitment.
The inspiration behind ACCESS:VFX stemmed from a clear industry need. The UK's VFX industry, valued at over £1 billion annually, was found to be 85% white and only 27% female in 2018. We recognised the importance of a more diverse workforce, not only to reflect the broader population but also to bring fresh perspectives and talent to the creative industries.
Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels represented and can thrive in this dynamic field.
Our Great Work
Since 2017, ACCESS:VFX has united over 4,000 (and counting!) passionate individuals from various companies and studios, all working towards increasing diversity in our industry. We've made significant strides through various initiatives:
- Outreach Events: We have organised hundreds of outreach events, engaging thousands of potential future employees from primary school age upwards all over the world! We've collaborated with organisations such as We Are Stripes, Into Film, and This Ability, universities and software vendors. These events aim to educate young people about the exciting career opportunities in VFX, animation, and games.
- E-Mentoring Programme: Our flagship mentoring programme utilises an innovative Slack-like platform to connect aspiring talent with experienced industry professionals. This initiative is crucial for forming meaningful, ongoing connections. Currently, over 2,500 people are being supported; the mentoring program also focuses on supporting mentees in their application processes for higher education and apprenticeships, and provides ongoing career progression support. We've seen great success, with 100% of students feeling energised and inspired after speaking with their e-mentor, and 90% feeling they could ask their mentor for both career and non-career advice.
- Podcast: We launched The ACCESS: VFX Podcast to demystify pathways into the industry, making it accessible and appealing to the next generation. The podcast also role models diversity across the industry.
- Education & Recruitment: We work to provide training workshops, collaborate with education providers, and promote apprenticeships, encouraging best practices in recruitment across the industry.
- Monthly Speed Networking: A fast‑paced, virtual networking event where professionals in the VFX and animation industries meet in timed breakout sessions to expand their network and explore new opportunities
- XVFX - A community within ACCESS: VFX that champions ethnically diverse talent in visual effects and animation, providing networking, mentorship, and visibility for underrepresented voices.
- QVFX - A dedicated LGBTQIA+ community within ACCESS:VFX, supporting queer professionals and aspiring talent in VFX, animation, and games through events, advocacy, and inclusive spaces.
We Need More Mentors!
The success of our mentoring programme hinges on the generosity of industry professionals. We are always looking for passionate individuals to become mentors and help shape the next generation of VFX, animation, and games talent. Your experience and guidance can make a significant difference in opening doors and providing crucial support to young people exploring careers in our field. Mentors come from over 75 studios across the world. If you're interested in making a tangible impact and sharing your knowledge, please visit our website to learn more about becoming a mentor.
By sponsoring our mentoring program, companies like Foundry enable us to expand our reach and support more young people globally. Want to talk about Sponsorship? Get in touch!