30 years of industry community talks!
Written by Hayley Miller, Founder at World VFX Day
FMX turned 30 this year! An amazing achievement in creating a great space for bringing the community together in what really feels like a school reunion (the good kind). This was my fourth time at FMX. The first time I was there as an attendee with my Pixomondo marketing hat on, and for the last three events, I’ve led talks there as the Founder of World VFX Day.
I’ve enjoyed pulling together great panels and discussing the challenges and highlights of our industry, and where it’s headed.
FMX 2024-2026
2024: Preparing your Business for Growth – this was an unrecorded talk to encourage open sharing and insights on launching new studios or rebuilding. It featured leaders from Pixomondo, PXL Talent, BeloFX and Important Looking Pirates. Read my notes from this talk, here.
2025: The State of the VFX Industry – featuring leaders from The Yard VFX, Trixter, HDR Consulting, PhantomFX and The Third Floor, this talk was completely full so some of the audience had to watch on a screen in another room. Arguably one of the tougher years for the industry, many were keen to hear insights from the top, and ask questions! Read more here.
2026: Industry Leadership Insights – I intentionally wanted to create an all-women panel of excellent leaders, and include those who hadn’t spoken at FMX, or any conference before. This panel included business leaders from Cinesite/Trixter, Halon Entertainment, VineFX and Stardust Effects. This talk was interesting because we’re in the thick of technology changes, with clients asking for AI bid comparisons and more scope for real partnerships and co-productions.
Leadership Insights: These leadership talks at FMX and other conferences led to me starting a leadership insights project in 2025. I’m collecting survey insights for a global picture of our shared challenges and the key changes we need to make in order to have a more sustainable and healthy future. If you’re a leader in VFX or animation and would like to take part, please contact Hayley Miller – you can learn more here.
Women in Leadership: In 2025 and 2026 World VFX Day co-sponsored a ‘Women in VFX and animation meet up’ – it’s so important to build representation across the industry, and with less than 30% of the workforce (and less than 3% in supervisor roles) these talks and networking opportunities do matter!
Here’s a summary of my notes from the some of the FMX conference talks:
Industry Pressures The VFX industry is under increased strain, with too many studios chasing too little work, shrinking budgets, wafer-thin margins, and a tax incentive system described as a “circus.” At least one major studio closure is predicted within the next two years, with restricted budgets and cash flows being the core culprits.
“When we’re bidding a show we have little information and work with very little margins because of the many sharks in the sea. You have to build all the planning on an assumption that is basically changing all the time.” Heiko Burkardsmaier, VFX Executive Producer / Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Accenture Song Content Germany GmbH
AI & Technology AI hype is real. Studios are dedicating roles and departments to research the tech, but it brings uncertainty. As AI companies need to turn profits, costs will rise and likely land on VFX studios. The broader shift is toward generalists as artists are using new tools (including AI) to do more across the pipeline, rather than staying narrowly specialised.
“Operational costs [for AI] are huge so think about the true cost of it because right now we’re not paying the full cost in tokens.” Steve MacPherson, CTO, Milk Visual Effects
Business & Career Advice Practical guidance for freelancers includes diversifying your clients rather than chasing big names, ideally save 3-6 months of emergency income, know what your life actually costs (and adjust where necessary), market what makes you unique, and get your taxes sorted. Find a mentor and network, network, network! Above all, know your purpose and stay authentic.
New tools means it’s easier to create but we’re also in a time where there are less junior roles. Being a generalist is now typically more sought after compared to years ago, when choosing a speciality was necessary.
“I know it’s overwhelming but if you focus on one priority at a time, it helps.” Denis Krez, VFX Supervisor & Coach
Storytelling & Audience Organic engagement with the audience every step of the way of the process creates buy-in and a strong, loyal fanbase. Indie content is gaining ground (61% of young adults prefer it over big studio output), and organic community building beats algorithmic platforms.
“There will be a return to the human-made, the authentic and the journey. The journey will probably be more important than the product. Watching the people behind the short film, movie or video game go on their journeys for two years will be a much more effective storytelling product. It’s about how [the audience] feels during that process.” Nicholas Cabana, co-founder, Claynosaurz
Where the Industry is Heading Hollywood may be contracting, but lost jobs won’t disappear, they’ll migrate. Mr Beast, Roblox, Discord, YouTube – the pipeline is fragmenting across new platforms.
Real partnerships with clients (rather than pure vendor relationships), and better contract and payment structures (perhaps through a global association), are seen as the path to a healthier industry. Tax incentives have helped boost new business enquires and earlier involvement in projects. Co-productions and owning IP is also a driving force in new business strategies for many VFX and animation studios.
“We have co-produced three films, but it takes a long time to get your return back. We’re looking at shifting into animation and owning IP, like other studios.” Elena Topouzoglou, VFX Producer & Partner, Stardust Effects
Small-mid sized studios seem to have an advantage in today’s landscape where agility is key in navigating challenges, technology shifts and tight budgets.
