Talk Overview:
Panellists:
Chair: Simon Devereux, Founder & Director of ACCESS: VFX
Shobha Conway, Head of Business Development at Union Visual Effects
Sophie Maydon, Founder, Talent & Recruitment Consultant, PXL Talent
Chris Kiser, Head of New Business, No.8
Overview:
Join leading voices from across VFX and animation for an inspiring conversation on building international careers, expanding creative opportunities, and thriving in a fast-changing industry. Discover how global networks, free resources, and transferable skills are breaking barriers, and why inclusion matters more than ever. Packed with insights and practical tips, this session will leave you ready to connect, adapt, and succeed, wherever your creative journey takes you.
Simon Devereux - Panel Chair
Founder & Director of ACCESS: VFX
With over 18 years of experience in the creative industry and a background as a freelance illustrator, Simon has held key roles in talent development and learning across visual effects, games, television, and commercial radio. As the current head of the Framestore Talent Development Team, he is also the Founder and Director of ACCESS: VFX, a global industry movement uniting over 75 leading studios, industry bodies, and educational institutions in visual effects and animation. ACCESS: VFX champions inclusion, diversity, awareness, and opportunity through its four pillars: Inspiration, Education, Mentoring, and Recruitment.
Sophie Maydon
Founder, Talent & Recruitment Consultant at PXL Talent
Sophie is the Founder and Director of PXL Talent, bringing a wealth of global leadership experience in hiring for the Visual Effects, Animation, and Creative Industries. Her career spans both agency leadership and in-house roles, most notably at Double Negative (DNEG), London. As Global Head of Talent Acquisition at DNEG, Sophie played a pivotal role in scaling the company from a team of 300 to the global leader it is today. She also held senior leadership positions as Global Head of Human Resources and Global Head of PR and Communications, gaining a 360-degree view of the business.
Shobha Conway
Head of Business Development at Union Visual Effects
Shobha is Head of Business Development and Operations at Union, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing all our prospective and in house projects. Starting from initial bidding; she is responsible for identifying new opportunities, scouting projects, and ensuring the smooth coordination of workflows and crew planning once projects are secured. As the primary point of contact for new clients, building strong relationships and setting the tone for successful collaborations. Since joining Union in 2021, Shobha has been instrumental in shaping the studio’s operational strategies including the crew resourcing planning and requirements, She has led the expansion of the Operations and Business Development team. Her leadership has been key in driving the studio’s growth and enhancing its competitive edge in the industry.
Chris Kiser
Head of New Business, No.8
Chris Kiser is an Executive Producer and the Head of New Business at No.8, the London-based creative post studio known for its work across audio, colour, and VFX. Originally from Dallas, Chris has built a career that’s taken him across the US and Europe, developing a reputation for connecting creative talent with standout opportunities. Now at No.8, he’s focused on expanding the studio’s reach and helping shape its next chapter of growth—bringing his collaborative spirit and love for innovative storytelling along for the ride.