VES Takes the Stage at FMX

By NAOMI GOLDMAN

In May, the VES continued its partnership with FMX by participating in the 29th edition of FMX/Film & Media Exchange in Stuttgart, Germany, one of the premier international conferences dedicated to animation, effects, interactive and immersive media. Congratulations to VES Fellow Paul Debevec, VES, Chief Research Officer at Netflix’s Eyeline Studios, for serving as Program Chair for this year’s Rhythm of Change conference.

VES Board Chair and SideFX President Kim Davidson moderated a dynamic panel on “The Secrets of Award-Winning Teams.” From evolving technology to shifting budgets and team dynamics, this group shared insider tips for achieving VFX excellence amidst change. Expert panelists included VES Award winners: Johnny Han, Emmy-nominated VFX Supervisor & 2nd Unit Director, HBO; Danielle Immerman, VFX Producer, Wētā FX; and Javier Menéndez Platas, VFX Supervisor, PFX.

VES also hosted the panel, “Embracing Evolution in VFX – Skill Development and Collaborative Innovation,” which explored the necessity of upskilling and thinking outside the box to remain nimble in changing markets. Joining the exclusive conversation were: Christina Caspers-Roemer, Managing Director, TRIXTER GmbH; Heike Kluger, VFX Supervisor; and Esther Trilsch, Sr. Character TD, SideFX. The panel was moderated by VES Executive Director Nancy Ward.

Ward also served as a panelist for the “Creative Resilience: Women Redefining Success in Animation and VFX” session, which brought together women from diverse fields to share their insights in navigating the industry. Joining the panel were Kader Bagli, Lead Compositing Artist, RISE Visual Effects Studios; Debra Coleman, Leadership Coach, Career Coach, VFX Coach/Subject Specialist, Open Frame Coaching; Carolyn Giardina, Senior Entertainment Technology & Crafts Editor, Variety; and Saraswathi Vani Balgam, CEO & Creative Director, Dancing Atoms.