Australian post-production and visual effects company Spectrum Films, has announced support from Screen NSW for the internship phase of Lumina, Australia’s first neuro-inclusive visual effects initiative.
Devised by Adam Archer, Head of VFX at Spectrum Films, in partnership with Bus Stop Films, Lumina was developed to create meaningful pathways into the VFX industry for neurodivergent creatives.
The program has successfully completed its educational phase, delivered with generous financial support from Netflix, alongside additional support from Dell Technologies, Boris FX, and Xenon.
As the program enters its next stage, participants will undertake a 12-week paid internship within the VFX Department at Spectrum Films. Screen NSW has confirmed funding support for the four NSW-based participants completing the internship program.
Adam Archer said the support from Screen NSW marks an important milestone for the initiative.
“With this support, our participants are now well on their way to undertaking a successful paid internship within the VFX Department at Spectrum Films. Screen NSW support ensures each participant has a well-rounded experience while completing their internship and provides the strongest possible platform for their future careers once the program concludes.”
Virginia Moir, VFX initiatives producer at Spectrum Films, said the support would have a lasting impact on the program and its participants.
“Having Screen NSW generous support for the internship phase is a game changer for Lumina. This support not only strengthens the program itself but also reinforces the importance of creating inclusive opportunities within the screen industry. We are incredibly excited to see our participants continue to grow and thrive in a professional VFX environment.”
“Screen NSW is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive sector, and initiatives like Lumina are important to ensure all practitioners have pathways and career escalation opportunities in the screen industry,” Screen NSW executive director, Kylie Munnich said. “I’m thrilled we can support these four NSW-based participants as they gain valuable hands-on experience at Spectrum Films, so they are well equipped to take the next steps in their career.”
Lumina represents a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion within Australia’s screen sector, helping to build a more accessible and representative future for the VFX industry.
Lumina is a fully online initiative that provides six participants with tutor-led training in rotoscoping and matchmove using the Boris FX Suite. The program is designed to deliver a broad foundation in visual effects while equipping participants with the practical skills required for employment within the VFX industry.
Developed in consultation with the Autistic community, Lumina has been carefully designed to ensure the training experience is both accessible and effective for neurodivergent participants.
