2025 WORLD VFX DAY
8th dec 2025
WATCH ALL THE TALKS FROM 2025!
GLOBAL MEET UPS
OUR TALKS & SPEAKERS
The 2025 edition featured a series of international roundtable discussions, bringing together leading professionals from across the VFX community. With an emphasis on inclusivity, collaboration, and industry-wide progress, World VFX Day aims to provide dynamic conversations and actionable insights that drive meaningful change.
- Eva Mautino – Important Looking Pirates VFX – Welcome to World VFX Day: WATCH NOW
- Alfie Vaughan – Coffee & TV / Alfie Vaughan channel – Co-host with Hayley Miller: WATCH NOW
- Georges Méliès – A tribute by Visual Effects Society (VES) with Kate Xagoraris and David H. Tanaka: WATCH NOW
- 100 Years of Supporting the Industry: Marcus Ryder MBE – Film & TV Charity: WATCH NOW
- Unlocking Your Potential with Harriet Edge-Partington – Union Visual Effects, Jonny Adamson – DNEG, Simon Davies – DAX | Digital Arts Xchange and Debra Coleman PCC – Open Frame Coaching: WATCH NOW
- Indie Leadership Roundtable – with Laurens Ehrmann – Founder at The Yard VFX, Brian Carbin – Co-Founder at Stone Dogs, Vikas Gandhi – MD at GelaroGrace Studio and Lucy Cooper – MD at Union Visual Effects: WATCH NOW
- A message from Jan Pinkava, Director of FMX – Film & Media Exchange: WATCH NOW
- Javier Romero, Starframe Filmworks: WATCH NOW
- Spain as a VFX and Animation Hub – Ignacio Caicoya Cecchini – Founder at FLAMING FRAMES, Elena Moreno Bonelo – FDI Projects Manager at ICEX, Javier Romero – Founder at Starframe Filmworks, Gonzalo Escudero – EP at Metropolis VFX (Dream Machine FX), Raúl Carbó Perea – Co-Founder at ATLANTIS Animation: WATCH NOW
- Crafty Apes – An Inside Look at the Future of VFX: CEO Alana Newell, MBA, Creative Director/Head of Studio (UK) Jasper Kidd, Senior VFX Supervisor Jonathan Cheetham and Executive VFX Producer Clare Cheetham: WATCH NOW
- Animated Women (UK) – Debra Coleman PCC, Debra Wootton, Louise Hussey, Dara McGarry and Victoria Watson: WATCH NOW
- 85 Artists Unite with Delcio Gomes, Head of Generalist & Environments at Industrial Light & Magic: WATCH NOW
- Collaboration & Innovation – A Visual Effects Society and VIEW Conference talk – Christina Caspers (TRIXTER & Cinesite), Kevin Baillie (Eyeline), Michael Ralla (Warner Bros. Pictures), Johnny Han (HBO) and Christine Resch (Adobe): WATCH NOW
- Fireside Chat with David Li, Founder of Dream/Machine FX and William Sargent, Co-Founder of Framestore: WATCH NOW
- Nicola Kingham, Executive Producer: WATCH NOW
- VFX: Hollywood’s Underdog – with Todd Vaziri – Compositing Supervisor (Industrial Light & Magic) and Valentina Sgro – Production Manager: WATCH NOW
- Stories from Set – with VFX Supervisors Andreas Maaninka, Edward Douglas, Farhad Mohasseb, interviewed by Ian Failes: WATCH NOW
- Four Decades of VFX – with Neishaw Ali, CEO at SPIN VFX: WATCH NOW
- UK Industry Spotlight – with Neil Hatton MBE – CEO (UK Screen Alliance) and Gareth Kirkman – UK Business & Industry Development (British Film Commission): WATCH NOW
- VFX Landscape: Americas – with Ignacio Pol – Co-Founder (CONTROL Studio), Cristian Fieiras – Technical Artist, Matthew von Brock – Co-Founder (Swarm VFX) and Henrique Reginato – Founder (NOX Visual Effects): WATCH NOW
- Embracing Innovation in VFX – with David Sheldon-Hicks – Founder (Territory Studio), Daria Yashchenko – EP (Terminal FX), and Ajoy Mani – Production VFX Producing Supervisor: WATCH NOW
- VFX Landscape: Asia & Beyond – with Phil Pham – Co-Founder (Island City Solutions), Michal Kriukow – Founder (Studio Ulu): WATCH NOW
- Bournemouth University Alumni – hosted by Dr Rehan Zia FRPS FRSA: WATCH NOW with Charli Holt, Zohaib A., Maziar Mazaheri, Savannah Kreider, Rosie Day
- Creative Technology – with Theo Jones – VFX Supervisor (Framestore), Tom Fonvillars – Head of CG (The Yard VFX), Xuan Prada – Labs Lead (Important Looking Pirates VFX): WATCH NOW
- Supervisor Roundtable Aus & NZ – with VFX Supervisors Genevieve Camilleri (Academy nominee for ‘Love and Monsters’), Denis Baudin (VES winner for ‘Thirteen Lives’), and Animation Supervisor Aidan Martin (VES and Annies winner for ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘The Umbrella Academy’) at Wētā FX: WATCH NOW
| Talk | Description | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome to World VFX Day! | Join Hayley Miller, Founder of World VFX Day and Eva Mautino, CEO of Important Looking Pirates for a welcome from their London studio. | 1765188000 10:00 - 10:30 |
| Georges Méliès: A Tribute | A VES talk: This conversation explores the rich history of visual effects, focusing on the contributions of George Méliès, a pioneer in the field. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the roots of visual effects in the context of Canadian cinema and the ongoing evolution of the industry, including the challenges posed by new technologies like AI. The speakers reflect on the significance of preserving Méliès' legacy and the impact of his work on modern filmmaking. With Kate Xagoraris Archivist and VFX artist (VES Toronto), David Tanaka, VES 2nd Vice Chair, | 1765189800 10:30 - 11:00 |
| Live in Studio - Meet the Team | Meet the team: Alfie Vaughan (Coffee & TV/Alfie Vaughan YouTube), Bobby Georgiev (London Siggraph), ILP team | 1765191600 11:00 - 11:30 |
| Film & TV Charity: 100 Years | Marcus Ryder MBE, CEO, discusses the vital work of the Film and TV Charity, focusing on its mission to support the well-being of professionals in the film and television industry. He highlights the evolution of the charity's mission, addressing the changing needs of freelancers and the importance of mental health support. Ryder emphasizes the need for structural changes in the industry, the significance of community building, and the role of charities in providing essential support. He also shares insights on global initiatives and the future aspirations for the charity, including the establishment of a pan-industry employee assistance program. | 1765193400 11:30 - 12:00 |
| Unlocking Your Potential | This panel discussion features industry experts sharing insights on advancing careers in visual effects. They discuss current trends, the importance of networking, and practical tips for job applications. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency, collaboration, and a proactive approach to career progression in the ever-evolving VFX landscape. | 1765195200 12:00 - 12:30 |
| Live in Studio: Leadership Roundtable | Live from the studio: Join Laurens Ehrmann (The Yard), Brian Corbin (Stone Dogs), Lucy Cooper (Union VFX) and Vikas Gandhi (Gelaro Grace) as they discuss the power of independent studios. | 1765197000 12:30 - 13:30 |
| Live in Studio - Javier Romero | We're joined by special guest, Javier Romero of Starframe Filmworks, a new studio based in Madrid, as well as other guests! | 1765200600 13:30 - 14:00 |
| Spain's Rise as a VFX & Animation Hub | This conversation explores the vibrant landscape of the visual effects and animation industry in Spain, highlighting the significant institutional support, the quality of talent, and the increasing collaboration among studios. The panelists discuss their personal journeys, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that arise from Spain's favorable economic framework and lifestyle. The discussion also touches on the future of the industry, emphasizing Spain's growing role in global animation collaborations.Join Ignacio Caicoya Cecchini - Founder at FLAMING FRAMES, Elena Moreno Bonelo - FDI Projects Manager at ICEX, Javier Romero - Founder at STARFRAME FILMWORKS, Gonzalo Escudero - EP at Metropolis VFX (Dream/Machine FX), Raúl Carbó Perea - Co-Founder at ATLANTIS Animation. | 1765202400 14:00 - 14:30 |
| Animated Women UK | The conversation explores the challenges faced by women in the visual effects and animation industries, highlighting the lack of representation and the need for supportive organizations to foster development and recognition of women's contributions.Debra Coleman PCC, Debra Wootton, Louise Hussey, Dara McGarry and Victoria Watson | 1765204200 14:30 - 15:00 |
| Live in Studio: Delcio Gomes - When 85 Artists Unite | How a Global Community Created the Short Film Everlasting with V-Ray Talk description: How we managed to assemble a team of 85 people and create an original 3 min animated movie in 5 months, without a budget? Everlasting proves that collaboration is our greatest strength. When artists come together, we don’t just create—we inspire, we innovate, and we remind the world of the magic that happens when creativity is shared. Delcio Gomes - ILM | 1765206000 15:00 - 16:00 |
| Live in Studio: An Inside Look at the Future of VFX - Crafty Apes | The session will explore how Crafty Apes’ supervisor-led model, flexible global pipeline, and multi-disciplinary talent have positioned the studio to deliver high-level work across major film and streaming projects—even as the VFX landscape continues to shift.Featured SpeakersAlana Newell, CEO, Crafty ApesJasper Kidd, Creative Director | Head of Studio UKJonathan Cheetham, Senior VFX SupervisorClare Cheetham, Executive Producer & Head of Production | 1765209600 16:00 - 17:00 |
| VFX Collaboration & Innovation | This conversation explores the evolving landscape of visual effects (VFX) in the film industry, particularly in relation to the impact of AI and new technologies. Panelists discuss their experiences and insights on collaboration, communication, and the importance of preserving creative intent in post-production. They emphasize the need for transparency and education among departments, as well as the establishment of standards for the use of AI in VFX. The discussion highlights the balance between traditional techniques and innovative tools, showcasing how the industry is adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Christina Caspers (Trixter & Cinesite), Kevin Baillie (Eyeline Studios), Michael Ralla (Warner Bros), Johnny Han (HBO) and Christine Resch (Adobe). | 1765213200 17:00 - 17:30 |
| Fireside Chat: Dream Machine & Framestore | Join Founder of Dream Machine FX and Co-Founder of Framestore as they discuss the current market landscape and outlook for the future. | 1765215000 17:30 - 18:30 |
| Live in Studio: Nicola Kingham EP | Nicola is an award-winning VFX & Animation Production Executive who has worked in TV & film for the majority of her career. Initially as Director of the Computer Animation Festival in London, and later as Director and co-founder of the London Effects & Animation Festival. From here she moved into animation and VFX production; first with the Moving Picture Company for six years, before joining the Mill, and later the BBC, where Nicola was the BBC’s in-house VFX and animation procurement advisor for five years. | 1765218600 18:30 - 19:00 |
| Live in Studio | Join for the final live in studio chat, see who has joined us in studio, competition for Foundry licenses and goodbyes! | 1765220400 19:00 - 19:30 |
| VFX: Hollywood's Underdog | In this conversation, Todd Vaziri (ILM) and Valentina Sgro discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the visual effects (VFX) industry, particularly in the context of being perceived as underdogs in Hollywood. They explore the importance of storytelling, audience engagement, and the artistry behind visual effects, emphasizing the need to change the narrative surrounding VFX professionals. The discussion also highlights personal journeys into the industry, the significance of breakdowns in visual effects, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Ultimately, they encourage fellow VFX artists to share their stories and engage with audiences to foster a deeper appreciation for the craft. | 1765222200 19:30 - 20:20 |
| Stories from Set | Join VFX Supervisors from the Luma Stage as they discuss their experiences on set.VFX Supervisor Panelists:Andreas Maaninka, Edward Douglas, Farhad Mohasseb, hosted by Ian Failes, befores and afters | 1765225200 20:20 - 21:20 |
| Four Decades of VFX | A conversation with Neishaw Ali, CEO at Spin VFX, where she emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in transforming and growing the industry. It highlights the need for inspiration to prevent individuals from seeking alternative career paths. | 1765228800 21:20 - 22:00 |
| UK Industry Spotlight | This conversation focuses on the current state and future prospects of the VFX industry in the UK, highlighting the roles of key organizations like the UK Screen Alliance and the British Film Commission. The discussion covers the importance of tax incentives, the sustainability of these reliefs, and the collaborative nature of the industry. Insights into growth prospects, stakeholder management, and the potential for a global trade association are also explored, emphasizing the need for a united front in promoting the value of visual effects. | 1765231200 22:00 - 22:40 |
| VFX Landscape: Americas | In this conversation the panel discusses the dramatic shifts in the visual effects industry, highlighting the peak of activity in 2022 followed by a significant decline in 2023. And a look at their regions and beyond, across the Americas.Ignacio Pol - Co-Founder at CONTROL Studio, Cristian Fieiras - Technical Artist, Matthew von Brock - Co-Founder at Swarm VFX and Henrique Reginato - Founder at NOX Visual Effects | 1765233600 22:40 - 23:30 |
| Embracing Innovation in VFX | In this engaging panel discussion for World VFX Day 2025, industry experts David Sheldon-Hicks, Daria Yashchenko, and Ajoy Mani explore the transformative impact of AI and new technologies on the visual effects industry. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the importance of creative management, and the evolving role of visual effects in filmmaking. The conversation highlights the need for artists to adapt to new tools while maintaining their artistic integrity and the potential for AI to enhance efficiency and creativity in production workflows. | 1765236600 23:30 - 00:07 |
| VFX Landscape: Asia & Beyond | The conversation explores the evolving landscape of the VFX industry, focusing on the impact of new technologies, particularly AI, on workflows and client expectations. The guests share their experiences and insights on the current market trends, the importance of storytelling, and the future of the industry amidst rapid changes. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and other technologies, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals and the potential for new forms of content creation. | 1765238820 00:07 - 01:00 |
| Bournemouth University Alumni | The conversation delves into the harsh realities faced by recent graduates in the job market. It emphasizes that the challenges of securing employment are not personal failures but rather a reflection of the current industry landscape. The speaker shares insights on the importance of understanding these dynamics and encourages graduates to remain resilient despite potential rejections. Moderated by Dr Rehan Zia, Principal Academic with Charli Holt (Product Manager of Mari - Foundry), Zohaib Ahsan (Senior Lighter for Film & Tv episodic - various VFX studios including Weta, Pixomondo, DNeg, Cinesite, MPC, Scanline/Eyeline), Maziar Mazaheri (Technical Artist - Lighthouse Games), Savannah Kreider (BA Computer Animation Technical Arts Graduate currently studying on MA 3D Computer Animation), Rosie Day (BA Visual Effects graduate currently studying MA Digital Effects) | 1765242000 01:00 - 01:44 |
| Creative Technology | In this conversation, the panel discusses the evolving role of artists in the digital landscape, emphasizing the integration of digital tools while maintaining the importance of human creativity.With Theo Jones - Framestore, Tom Fonvillars - The Yard VFX, Xuan Prada - Important Looking Pirates | 1765244700 01:45 - 02:30 |
| Supervisor Roundtable Aus & NZ | The Panel emphasizes the significance of attitude in the industry, the value of collaboration over competition and the importance of maintaining a positive work environment. They also address the challenges faced in the industry and how navigating these challenges is crucial for success.Genevieve Camilleri (Academy nominee for 'Love and Monsters'), Denis Baudin (VES winner for 'Thirteen Lives') and Aidan Martin (VES and Annies winner for 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' and 'The Umbrella Academy'). | 1765247400 02:30 - 03:10 |
| Thanks and Goodbye! | 1765249800 03:10 - 03:15 |
2025 SPONSORS & PARTNERS
We couldn’t continue our mission without our sponsors and partners. Thank you to Chaos Group, Crafty Apes, The Yard VFX, FMX – Film and Media Exchange, Open Frame Coaching, Starframe Filmworks, Beyond-FX, Sony, Foundry, Starframe Filmworks, 3DVF, CGWorld.jp, VES (Visual Effects Society), Siggraph Asia, Coffee & TV, Dream Machine FX, View Conference, Befores and Afters, Digital Production, Important Looking Pirates and Hugo’s Desk.
WHO ARE WE?
The VFX and animation industry is huge! Practically every production you see on your screen has VFX or animation talent behind it. There are over 123,000 people in our industry and over 2,000 studios across VFX, Animation, Post Production, Commercial & Design, Immersive and many more areas within our epic world. However, we’re probably the least known part of filmmaking. Our mission to shine a spotlight on VFX and animation means viewers of our livestream will get a front row seat to all the action!
IT'S NOT MAGIC!
Remember the first movie that left you in awe and left you excited to see more? Chances are there was plenty of VFX and animation together with a whole array of other amazing techniques such as practical and special effects. Skills within our industry range from creating rigs to form character skeletons, to individual hair and fur movement, and creating entire urban landscapes and futuristic worlds, and so much more!
Much of what you see is known as ‘invisible effects’ and it can be difficult to tell if what you’re watching is real or not! We love the ‘No CGI’ series which gives insights on VFX included in your favourite movies and shows…
CGI Vs VFX
The filmmaking world is immense and complicated, even for those working in it! There are many different terms for different areas of filmmaking and production. One term that has gained notoriety is CGI – this is the term you will see most often quoted in the media. CGI has traditionally been used “in post” at the end of the process, and usually to fix problems. VFX is a huge part of filmmaking which is now used from script development stage. VFX is an integral part of filmmaking, from set to screen. We love this video which explains the differences between VFX, CGI and SFX.
2025 STUDIO SUPPORTERS
Here are over 460 studio and company supporters who are helping us with our mission! We have welcomed many supporters and their clients for World VFX Day talks, such as Netflix, Sony, Hulu, Paramount Pictures, Disney, and many more…
If you’re a studio or company wishing to join our list of official supporters, please get in touch. Find out about becoming a supporter here or sponsoring World VFX Day 2025, here. We have options for all budgets and objectives. We look forward to hearing from you!
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