Edited by VES Health and Wellness Committee members.
Images courtesy of Wētā FX.
Edited by VES Health and Wellness Committee members.
Images courtesy of Wētā FX.
It’s a challenging time in the media industry, and having the right support system can make all the difference. VES members are connected to a powerful global network of colleagues, a community that continues to thrive through mentorship programs, education initiatives, career guidance and industry events. Members can stay in contact with recruiters and hiring managers, access the latest technology education and image creation trends and come together to celebrate inspiring awards shows and screenings, all part of the benefits of VES membership. But one of the most valuable resources available to members is also one of the most overlooked and underused: The VES Member Assistance Program.
The VES Member Assistance Program, a free benefit available to all VES members worldwide, provides access to trusted business tools, materially significant consumer resources and confidential expert support for both personal and professional needs.
SERVICES & RESOURCES
Whether members are managing stress, navigating parenting or childcare challenges, dealing with workplace concerns, financial or legal questions, or health-related issues, the Member Assistance Program via TELUS offers extensive resources and services at absolutely no cost.
All VES members, along with their immediate families, can access personalized, culturally appropriate assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free!
Services include:
The Visual Effects Society is proud to support our members with resources that help them thrive professionally and manage their work-life balance.
DISCOUNTS & PERKS
The Member Assistance Program offers a wide range of exclusive discounts and perks. Members can access free legal advice and counseling sessions, low-cost memberships, wholesale pricing on hardware, furniture and gear as well as discounts to live events and theme parks, among others. Wellness benefits include discounts on healthy meal delivery services, self-care tools, ergonomic furniture and technology and pharmacy rebates. These are just a few examples of the many resources available through the program.
This free benefit can save members money in meaningful ways. Members can log in to their VES account and click on the links to explore all the available resources.
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS – SERVICES + RESOURCES
“The Member Assistance Program is one of the most tangible benefits of the VES. I have used it for legal advice, wellness resources, and the growing range of member perks, from discounts on rental cars and hotels to online shopping and everyday services. The session with the lawyer alone would have cost me more than my annual membership fee. It is practical, evolving and genuinely supportive in ways that matter when it counts.”
Philipp Wolf, CEO and Founder, swyvl
“Becoming a new mum after a life in VFX was daunting, but becoming a new mum in a country without family or community support was terrifying. Having access to the Member Assistance Program meant I always had someone to call when I was feeling lost, low or alone and lacking a wider support system. There was always someone at the end of the phone to offer a friendly ear, and it never cost me a penny.”
Emma Clifton Perry, Independent VFX Consultant & Production VFX Supervisor
“After joining VES I accessed the counseling section of our MAP and was able to confidentiality work through some pretty intense ethical challenges I was facing during two recent studio closures. It was fast, targeted and importantly, confidential. It immediately made my VES membership fee worth it. Great resource – worth the price of VES membership for this benefit alone. I highly recommend anyone looking for support to check it out. Great experience.”
Julie McDonald, Executive Producer, Head of Production
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS – DISCOUNTS + PERKS
“I’ve known about the VES Member Assistance Program for a while, but hadn’t really explored it. Like many in our community, I spend most of my day on the computer, so ergonomics have become an important part of my setup. Through our Member Assistance Program, I found discounts on name-brand products, including Logitech. I was amazed at the variety of offerings through the Program, not only discounts. I’m glad I took the time to look around. “
Bill Villarreal, Senior Director Image and Capture Research, Dolby Laboratories
“I moved into an unfurnished flat in 2023 and purchased most of the furniture through companies that make discounts available via the Member Assistance Program. Thanks to this benefit, I saved more than £700 in one go!”
Nicolas Casanova, VFX & Stereoscopic Supervisor
“I was one of those people who just assumed that the Member Assistance Program was focused on counseling. I was happy it was there if I needed it, but I never really logged in and explored the breadth of what was on offer. I’ve been an active member of the VES for years and had no idea how many additional resources were available. I would encourage everyone to log in and have a look. You’ll be amazed at what’s on offer.”
Dave Gougé, Business & Marketing Strategist
VES members are encouraged to explore the full range of resources available through the Member Assistance Program by logging into their account here:
