ACCESS:VFX Launches Fundraiser to Protect Global Mentoring Scheme

The industry-led non-profit coalition ACCESS:VFX, which represents prominent animation, video game, and visual effects (VFX) studios, has initiated a £10,000 fundraising drive. This campaign is designed to safeguard its global e-mentoring programme, a volunteer-driven initiative that remains free to use and has already successfully paired over 4,000 mentors and mentees across the world.

The VFX and animation industries are facing rapid change. AI-accelerated workflows, real-time production pipelines, tightening budgets, studio consolidation and economic uncertainty are all contributing factors to growing global competition for VFX, animation and gaming roles. The path into the industry is an increasingly complex road to navigate for budding talent, and those without established networks, making the e-mentoring programme a vital access point to careers that might otherwise feel out of reach. 
 
The £10,000 target will cover essential infrastructure costs to keep the programme free and accessible globally, including platform delivery, coordination and safeguarding. 
 
"Our mission is to promote diversity and provide education and opportunity for aspiring talent around the world from all walks of life. This fundraiser will ensure that we can continue to provide practical tools for emerging creators that are essential for them to succeed," says Simon Devereux, co-founder and director at ACCESS:VFX. "When the industry is changing this fast, access to guidance shouldn't depend on who you know or what you can afford." 
 
The impact of the initiative is tangible. Several mentees have gone on to secure their first industry roles, change specialisms or gain the confidence to pursue careers they previously felt were out of reach.  
 
Chris Spencer, who now works as Senior LiDAR Technician, Radiance Fields & Gaussian Splats at Clear Angle Studios, was previously a runner at ACCESS:VFX events and signed up to the mentoring programme: "I had the pleasure of being mentored by a brilliant artist, Alex Underwood, while I was a student. Without the resources that Simon, and so many others provided, I wouldn't have met the people that pushed me to where I am in my career today. I'm hugely grateful to them. This service is essential for supporting new and upcoming talent in our industry!"  
 
Selina Sharma, HBO VFX Production Coordinator Bootcamp Graduate, comments on the benefits that ACCESS:VFX delivers: "ACCESS:VFX is a fantastic organisation that bridges the gap between the industry and those looking to get a foot in the door. I recently graduated from the HBO VFX Production Coordinator Bootcamp with CAVE Academy, HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery and CrewHQ. I discovered this fantastic opportunity through ACCESS:VFX's platform and I'm incredibly grateful to them for providing an invaluable pathway into the industry." 
 
You can donate to support vital industry access for our next generation of talent here: www.gofundme.com/f/keep-accessvfx-mentoring-free