LOS ANGELES - The Visual Effects Society has launched VFX Women Who Lead (https://vesglobal.org/vfx-women-who-lead), a new initiative that aims to ensure woman in the VFX industry - at any point in their career - have the support, visibility, access and resources needed to succeed. The initiative is led by a committee of female VFX leaders from across the VES. Neishaw Ali serves as chair, spearheading the initiative and bringing her experiences as founding partner, CEO and executive producer of SpinVFX to the role. She is also a former member of the global VES board of directors.
"I know firsthand how vital this kind of program is because I've lived the gaps it's trying to close," shares Ali. "I'm so proud that the VES is creating a platform for all industry leaders who want to 'give back' and help shape a more inspiring future for women. Together, I'm confident that we will drive meaningful change, create hope, and foster growth in the years ahead.”
VFX Women Who Lead will inspire change throughout the year via several paths, including a peer mentorship program, a “Careers in VFX” video series, a newsletter with industry news and opportunities, and social media spotlights. Most notably, the committee will host its inaugural VFX Women Who Lead Summit this fall in Los Angeles, brining industry leaders together to share stories, build community and define what equitable leadership looks like.
The VFX Women Who Lead initiative is built on four guiding principles: solidarity, growth, visibility and systemic change.
In addition to Ali, the committee includes:
- Christina Caspers (Vice Chair): Visual effects managing director and executive producer at Cinesite and Trixter GmbH, and former chair of the VES Germany Section Board of Managers
- Emma Clifton Perry: VFX consultant, production VFX supervisor, and former 1st vice chair of the global VES board of directors
- Lisa Cooke, VES: Visual effects producer and former chair of the global VES board of directors
- Caroline Garrett: Production AI principal for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Netflix and former
head of visual effects at Cinesite
- Amanda Heppner: Lead creature and lookdev artist at WeFX Inc., and vice chair of the VES Toronto section board of managers
- Kim Lavery, VES: Visual effects executive producer at Gentle Giant Studios, VES Founders Award recipient and former 2nd vice chair of the global VES board of directors
- Janet Muswell Hamilton, VES: Senior vice president of visual effects at HBO, and former 2nd vice chair of the global VES board of directors
- Kelsy Wittman: Executive producer at Mr. Wolf, chair of the VES Vancouver section board of managers and chair of the Vancouver Post Alliance
- Jennie Zeiher: CEO of Alussein VFX and former president of Rising Sun Pictures
“The VES is glad to support the efforts of these dynamic, successful female leaders in their unwavering commitment to expanding career opportunities in VFX around the world," shares VES executive director, Nancy Ward.