World VFX Day: The importance of recognition and respect

The Chaos team highlights how the inaugural World VFX Day turns the spotlight onto an often-overlooked part of the industry.

The inception of World VFX Day, being held for the first time as an online event today (Friday 8 December), marks a momentous stride for the entertainment industry. The day aims to shine a spotlight for the first time on the often-overlooked contributions of VFX artists, the unsung heroes within the expansive realm of visual effects.

In a market valued at a staggering USD 9884.95 billion in 2022, home to over 600 studios, and a workforce surpassing 100,000 professionals, the profound impact of VFX on the entertainment landscape is nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, despite the industry’s colossal scale, VFX artists have long existed on the fringes of recognition within the media space.

The challenges confronting VFX artists were heightened this year in part as a result of the strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA). With film and TV productions delayed as a result of the strike, VFX vendors experienced reduced levels of demand accompanied by a reduction in budgets.

This shift in the production pipeline was starkly illuminated in early 2023 when reports emerged, detailing the taxing conditions of workers in top studios including unpaid overtime for VFX workers, leading to a cycle of employee burnout and mental health struggles. These reports led to a historic moment unfolding when VFX workers unified under the banner of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, seeking among other things respect for their work. This moment marked a pivotal juncture in advocating for the rights and appreciation of VFX workers around the world.

World VFX Day has received resounding support from industry leaders across the space, after its inception by VFX marketing consultant, Hayley Miller. This event serves to underscore the industry’s commitment to providing better support and recognition for these linchpins of the industry. The movement will seek to narrow the gap between visual effects artists as well as to raise awareness amongst the audience for the work that goes into the magic of their favourite media.

As the VFX community unites to celebrate its craft and profound influence, Chaos proudly stands as a public supporter in this new global movement. Chaos champions the enduring spirit of innovation and artistic expression that defines the dynamic visual effects landscape. This is achieved through a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of computer graphics technologies and helping creative communities to bring any project that they can imagine to life.

As World VFX Day becomes a cornerstone event, the hope is it can spark a renewed commitment to ongoing recognition and celebration of the transformative power of visual effects in storytelling and entertainment. Paving the way for a more sustainable and supportive future within this dynamic and vital industry.