SIGGRAPH 2026
Hundreds of VES members from around the world converged on the Los Angeles Convention Center this past July for SIGGRAPH’s 53rd annual conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques.
VES members provided expert insight on the future of the industry during their keynote speeches and panel conversations. Barbara Ford Grant, VES, moderated the panel, “The Perpetual Pipeline – 50 years of Symbiosis in Computer Graphics,” with Rob Bredow, Paul Debevec, VES, Doug Roble, Natalya Tatarchuk and VES Board Chair Kim Davidson. VES member Tara DeMarco presented “The Connective Tissue: VFX Supervision Across Art, Camera and Creatures” on behalf of our Women Who Lead Committee.
Other highlights included a Production Session that brought attendees behind the scenes of Avatar with VES Award-winner Richie Baneham and Peter Litvack.
VES Los Angeles hosted the SIGGRAPH Mixer on Tuesday, July 21 in partnership with Netflix, Eyeline and CenterGrid at Tom’s Watch Bar. VES members and friends gathered for light bites and cocktails, building relationships and collaborations – and a stronger global community for VES. Many members met in-person after years of Zoom calls from across the world. The sold-out event overflowed with laughter and connections that will continue to deepen.
The Road Ahead for FMX
The Visual Effects Society congratulates outgoing FMX Conference Project Manager Mario Müller for 15 years of leadership, growing the conference, and giving space to experts and researchers. VES is delighted to note that Agon Ushaku – Global Director of VES Nomination Events, curator of the Megabrain Masterclass series, and VES Germany Section Chair Emeritus – has stepped into the role of FMX Project Manager and will lead FMX into its 31st year and beyond. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for FMX.
Incoming FMX Project Manager Agon Ushaku, left with Jan Pinkova.
VFX & Animation World Atlas, 2026 Edition
VES member Joseph Bell released the 2026 edition of the Visual Effects & Animation World Atlas in August. This free resource provides clear and up-to-date data on the global and local VFX industries. Spotlighting countries in each region of the world, the Atlas highlights studio openings, labor and skillset development, and growing international VFX hubs
