ACCESS:VFX, an industry-led non-profit coalition of leading visual effects (VFX), animation and games studios, has launched a European chapter. With the help of new sponsorship from Netflix, the organization is building upon its mission to promote diversity within the VFX industry by expanding into Europe. The aim of the new chapter is to provide practical tools for up-and-coming creators across Europe that are essential to succeed in the industry, including mock interviews, reel reviews, virtual events and e-mentorships.
The new chapter will be led by Glassworks’ chief operating officer, Chris Kiser, and supported by people and culture coordinator, Bianca Crichigno. The European VFX studio has offices in London, Amsterdam and Barcelona, with Kiser and Crichigno taking on the responsibility to engage with creatives across Continental Europe.
The European chapter’s first steps will be to promote initiatives such as its e-mentoring scheme (sponsored by long-time supporter The Foundry and new sponsor Netflix), industry apprenticeships and awareness-building events. The team will also partner with local schools and organizations throughout Europe. The growing chapter hopes to extend its outreach to not only students within Europe, but those already working in the industry or re-entering after having had a break from the workplace.
“I’m delighted and honored to be leading the ACCESS:VFX initiative in Europe and look forward to making our presence known throughout the region,” said Kiser. “The VFX, animation and games industries can be difficult to break into and we want to change that. Our goal is to introduce a new generation to the kinds of opportunities available within the VFX industry in order to further diversify and expand the pool of talent across all disciplines.”
Established in 2017 to encourage diversity under its four pillars of Inspiration, Education, Mentoring and Recruitment, ACCESS:VFX is an industry-led coalition of 61 leading media and entertainment companies. It’s successfully united passionate people around the common goal of addressing the lack of diversity in the VFX industry. Members include ILM, MPC, Epic Games, Cinesite, Foundry and Framestore, alongside many more industry leaders. Together they run and participate in educational and industry events such as the recent UCAS Create Your Future and reach thousands of potential future employees of primary school age and above across the U.K., USA, New Zealand, Australia and Canada–working with organizations including We Are Stripes, Luma Pictures, Zoic Studios, The Molecule, Psyop, Into Film and NextGen Skills Academy.
“We’re ecstatic to finally have a presence dedicated to mainland Europe and couldn’t have done it without the unwavering commitment from Chris Kiser at Glassworks, and the generous sponsorship from Caroline [Garrett] and the team at Netflix,” said Simon Devereux, director and founder at ACCESS:VFX. “Their support and collaboration will be fundamental in growing our global e-mentorship scheme in Europe and helping connect aspiring creatives with new opportunities, advice and support.”
Garrett, director of VFX (EMEA) at Netflix, said, “This is an exciting new chapter for ACCESS:VFX that will provide an incredible opportunity to the many talented artists across Europe. Supporting and developing our industry is of paramount importance and we are proud to help Access VFX expand their efforts.”
ACCESS:VFX’s European chapter joins ACCESS locations across the U.K. and North America, including Montreal, New York, Chicago and the West Coast.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakersโ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including โDeath of Mr. Peanut.โ He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose โFirst Kid. Second Kidโ campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. Heโs gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. Heโs accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
โMike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,โ said Goldberg. โMikeโs got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. Heโs got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what weโre about.โ
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