Framestore has announced Simon Devereux as its new director of global talent development.
Joining from Sony PlayStation, Simon’s 20-year career spans VFX, games and TV, as well as founding and leading ACCESS:VFX – the transatlantic industry body seeking to build a more inclusive and representative VFX industry. This new role will see Simon spearhead Framestore’s training offer, ensuring the company’s talented global workforce remains front and centre when it comes to technology, creativity and innovation.
Simon’s role with Sony PlayStation saw him responsible for the company’s pan-Europe learning and development programme, as well as driving the company’s diversity and mental health learning agenda. Previous roles included overseeing the global training curriculum for The Mill, and time with UK broadcaster Channel 4.
Framestore’s widely-recognised training and development offer has helped set the bar for what VFX artists, producers and technologists can expect from the companies they work for. Beyond regular sessions on new software and new tech, Framestore has been proud to offer a dedicated program that extends to developing skills in areas such as Unreal Engine to a wide range of outside-the-box initiatives geared toward helping unlock skills and creativity. This commitment extends to the physical space Framestore occupies, having made bespoke training space a fundamental part of its physical expansion plans.
Simon’s appointment comes at a time of ambitious expansion for the Oscar, Emmy and BAFTA-winning creative studio, which sees the integration of Method Studios’ film and episodic teams in Melbourne, Montreal and Vancouver; the opening of a new, purpose-built studio in Mumbai and the rapid growth of its pre-production services division.
Framestore CEO, Sir William Sargent, said: “Ongoing learning and development have been absolutely key to our growth and success as a company, and our commitment to this is something that has truly set us apart. Given the competitiveness of the marketplace and how the likes of engine technology, AI and virtual production are changing the landscape this desire to explore and discover has never been more important, so having Simon join at such a pivotal time in our journey is a tremendous coup. His knowledge, skills and experience will be a huge benefit to the company and to everyone who works here, whether they’re a seasoned professional or at the very beginning of their Framestore career.”
Simon Devereux, director of global talent development, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Framestore at such an exciting time. Continuous learning is at the heart of Framestore’s culture, and the chance to expand the company’s strong training offer is a very exciting prospect. I am keen to collaborate with our teams to continue growing an inclusive working environment where we respect, embrace and harness the uniqueness of individuals and their talents, and where everyone has a clear line of sight to the developmental opportunities available to them. This can be achieved through creating peer-to-peer communities with offerings that support the career paths and increase the skills and capabilities of all our artists, producers and leaders. I’m so excited to get stuck in!”
