A huge thanks to Escape Studios for the opportunity to host two talks at this week’s VFX Festival at the BFI in London. Together with some key players across talent, recruitment, VFX, animation and gaming, we talked about how the job market really is right now and hopes and advice for the near future, and why it’s not only important but paramount, that we all help forge more diverse workforces, now.
The first talk, hosted by World VFX Day Founder, Hayley Miller, focused on the talent market right now, how and why it’s been affected and what hope we have for a “return to normal”.
The second was on ‘Women in VFX, animation and gaming’ (and why none of us wanted to be on this talk!)
Escape Studios will be sharing recordings from each talk soon, but in the meantime, here are some highlights:
The Current Talent Market...
- We’re still in the peak of the aftermath following the US strikes, however there’s been more positive conversations with studios reporting an increase in pitches for new film and episodic projects, meaning we could see an upturn in hiring in this area of VFX towards the end of this year and into early next year…
- Advertising and games have also been affected by the general economic downturn and tech layoffs, and although other factors could affect our industries, overall client conversations are beginning to look more positive
- This is a good time to diversify your skills and network as much as possible to build connections and open yourself to new opportunities – see our list of useful organisations at the bottom of this page
- In a saturated market, taking the time to adapt and personalise your applications to each role and company will help you to stand out
- Update your CV and any showreels and portfolios using the vast array of advice available online. Again, adapting them to the role you’re applying for
- Research the wider industry – it’s important to stay updated on the latest innovations and developments. As a student, this may help you direct your learning in line with potential new opportunities
- Rejection does not equal failure. The talent pool is especially competitive right now, and a “no” from one interview may just take you to a role more suited to you…
Diversify Now or fall behind!
Although we’ve seen minor improvements over the last decade or so, our industries are still severely lacking women in the workforce, especially at senior level…and it shows. Women are still reporting salary deficits when compared with their male counterparts.
Various studies show some quite alarming stats:
Women make up 3% of supervisor level roles in VFX, less than 1% being women of colour
60% of animation students in the US and Europe are women, but only 20–40% of professional roles are held by women
- Less than 24% of the UK games workforce are women
Talk highlights:
- Diversifying the workforce is proven to improve a company’s bottom line and increase creativity
- Everyone on our panel has experienced imposter syndrome and/or condescension, harassment or exclusion in the workplace
- Being a mentor or mentee is greatly rewarding for both parties for career progression and overcoming self doubt
- Networking is one of the best ways to find new opportunities and support
- Don’t wait for someone to see your potential or worth. Being your own cheerleader will help overcome fear and help forge your own path
- Being an “ally” in the workplace is important BUT being an “accomplice” is what we really need to make a difference. Everyone can help by speaking up when you see an example of inequality in the workplace, and beyond
Thank you to:
- Eloise Singer, CEO & Creative Director at Singer Studios
- Gina Jackson OBE, Founder of SKILLfull
- Amy Mercer, Co-Founder of UpliftHER
- Elizabeth Hobbs , Animator/Director/Educator. Animated Women UK member
- Erin Elliott, Animator/Crowd TD at ILM. Animated Women UK member
Find your tribe!
Here are some of our top recommendations to join communities, mentorships and find local events to help expand your network…
summary
Whether you are job searching or not, or a woman in our industries or not, the most important thing we can all do right now is come together and support each other. There’s no denying there’s a lot of changes that need to happen for a more positive future, but we remain hopeful, mostly because the people in our industry (you!) are amazing and there’s no community like it.
World VFX Day’s aim is to ‘shine a spotlight on visual effects’ – this includes animation, gaming, immersive, commercials and beyond. If you would like to get involved in how we shape the industry, get in touch.
Our reach is growing and we aim to make real change.
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