VFXG New Vol. 12

VFXG NEWS Vol. 12

01

Introducing the New VFX Guild Board!

We’re delighted to announce our board has grown from 9 members to 13, bringing even more expertise to our guild. From an ex-NASA rocket scientist and award-winning producers to seasoned VFX veterans and fresh creative minds, this board brings decades of combined experience across local and global productions. Check out our stellar lineup and what’s in store for the VFX community:

Sharon Lark (Co-Chair) is an independent VFX Producer with 25 years on major international features like "Prince of Persia," "Narnia," and "Casino Royale."

Stan Alley is an independent VFX Supervisor with over 25 years in film, contributing to "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy, "Avatar," and "The Avengers."

Nik Beachman is an Executive Producer at FATHOM is an award-winning producer and founder of Thick As Thieves, driving new talent and best practices in VFX.

Rhys Dippie is one of the Co-Founders of FATHOM is a versatile VFX artist with two decades of experience in compositing, 3D, and development across film, TV, and commercials.

Stephen Dorner is an Associate Dean and Programme Director at Media Design School with 24 years in filmmaking, CGI, and VFX education.

Tanya Giesen Geisen is a VFX recruitment specialist at 880 Productions NZ LP with 20 years supporting blockbusters from "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy to "Avatar."

Nicolette Hurnen. is a senior On Set VFX Data Wrangler who has just started her career as an On Set VFX Supervisor.

Matt Holmes is an independent VFX Supervisor whose credits include "Sweet Tooth," "Evil Dead Rise," and Netflix’s "East of Eden."

Lance Lones is a former NASA rocket scientist with 20 years in VFX who developed tools for "Lord of the Rings," "King Kong," and "Avatar."

Nicci Lock is a 30-year screen veteran bridging production, education, and government to champion creative technology in NZ’s VFX industry.

Anna Middleton has managed WētāFX’s graduate program for a decade and the Company Director at Flying Saucer Films.

Frank Rueter is the co-founder of OHUfx and a VFX artist and supervisor since 1997, collaborating with local and international studios while focusing on sustainability.

Yin Wu is a CG Generalist at Blockhead Studios Studio who’s passionate about community connections and better working conditions in VFX.

Read more

02

VFX Guild Pub Night

Come along for a relaxed evening of drinks and conversation with fellow Guild members. You’re welcome to bring a plus one who wants to learn more about VFXG. Other locations will be announced soon—stay tuned!

We have a 10% discount for VFX Guild members at the bar—just mention you’re with the Guild!

Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington)
Date: March 27
Venue: Double Vision Brewery
Time: 6:30 PM

RSVP

03

VFX Guild AGM

The VFX Guild’s 2025 AGM delivered a spirited online session on Wednesday, 5 March 2024. Leaders kicked off the meeting by reviewing the annual and Treasurer’s reports, emphasizing transparency and accountability. A key highlight was confirming the new board, now extended to better suit our fast-moving industry.

One of the moves was amending the constitution to fix the board quorum at five members, regardless of overall size. This change is designed to keep decision-making agile, even during the busiest periods—a pragmatic step that reflects the Guild’s commitment to flexibility.

The AGM also spotlighted the Guild’s core mission: to champion both VFX facilities and independent professionals by advocating for industry growth, fair working conditions, and sustainable practices.

While the board outlined ambitious plans to secure government support and promote local and global talent, they also took a hard look at the SIWA guidelines. Under these, joining as a workers’ association would require each member contribute $1,000 this year for R&D and $500 annually for HR and legal services—costs that are simply too steep given our current membership base and resources.

In all, the meeting mixed strategic vision with a healthy dose of skepticism, setting a clear, forward-thinking path for the future of the VFX Guild and our community.

04

The Wellington Animation Film Festival

The Wellington Animation Film Festival is back and is presented by C.A.F.E (Creative Aotearoa French Exchange). Running from 21–23 March 2025 at The Roxy Cinema! Including films for the whole family as well as for teenagers and young adults. Come and discover the collection of short films by students from New Zealand and France, followed by a discussion around their creative process. Rediscover a Kiwi classic, "Footrot Flats," which was the first feature-length animated film produced in New Zealand. Enjoy the Annecy Best Of collections for kids and adults and discover stories from all over the world.

Industry Panels:

This year’s panels dive into the creative process with a series of discussions:

Industry Talk 1: An Overview of Wētā FX’s Motion Edit for Better Man.
Industry Talk 2: Produce with France and Europe – An Introduction.
Industry Talk 3: Maureen Fan Keynote.
WAFF Q&A 01: From Concept to Screen – A Q&A with Student Filmmakers.
Industry Talk 4: Echoes of Motion – A Heritage Unfolded.
WAFF Q&A 02: Footrot Flats – A Tale of New Zealand.

Get your tickets today

05

Post-Event Wrap-Up: Virginie Bourdin – The Art of Direction and Visual Development

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for The Art of Direction and Visual Development with Virginie Bourdin at Miramar Creative Centre! It was an incredible evening filled with insights, inspiration, and engaging discussions on creative direction, working with iconic franchises like "Alien" and "Barbie," and the evolving role of AI in visual storytelling.

Moderated by the fantastic Guillaume Renier, the discussion sparked thought-provoking conversations on the future of visual development!

A special shoutout to the event partners CAFE/WAFF, WIFT NZ, VES NZ, VFXG, and Miramar Creative Centre for making this possible!

And what better way to wrap up than with a few drinks at Double Vision Brewery? Thanks to everyone who stayed to chat, network, and enjoy the 10% industry discount!

Missed out? Check out Virginie’s masterclasses at VirginieBourdin.com to dive deeper into her expertise.

06

Media Reform Consultation

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has launched a consultation on a Media Reform programme aimed at modernizing New Zealand’s regulation and content funding landscape. These proposals could have a significant impact on the screen sector, including VFX and animation.

Key areas of focus:

Accessibility of local media platforms
Increased investment in local content
Improved captioning & audio descriptions
Modernized media regulations
Streamlined Crown content funders, including consultation on consolidating NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission into a single entity.

Consultation is open until 23 March 2025.

Review the discussion document, and submit your feedback.