Australia’s first neuro-inclusive visual effects initiative has reached a significant new milestone, with participants now preparing to enter the workforce through a paid internship program supported by Screen NSW.
Developed by Spectrum Films in partnership with Bus Stop Films, Lumina was established to create meaningful pathways into the visual effects industry for neurodivergent creatives. Following the successful completion of the program’s educational phase, participants are now transitioning into a 12-week paid internship within Spectrum Films’ VFX Department.
Screen NSW has confirmed funding support for the four New South Wales-based participants undertaking the internship phase, helping provide valuable hands-on industry experience as they take the next step in their careers.
For Adam Archer, Head of VFX at Spectrum Films and the driving force behind Lumina, the support marks an important step forward 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.”
Adam Archer, Head of VFX, Spectrum Films
The internship phase follows 30 weeks of tutor-led online training, which provided participants with both theoretical and practical experience in rotoscoping and matchmove using the Boris FX Suite. Designed in consultation with the Autistic community and supported by the expertise of Bus Stop Films, the program aims to equip participants with the skills required for employment within the visual effects industry.
Virginia Moir, VFX Initiatives Producer at Spectrum Films, believes the support will have a lasting impact on both the participants and the program itself.
“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.”
Virginia Moir, VFX Initiatives Producer, Spectrum Films
For participants, the internship phase represents an opportunity to apply their newly developed skills on feature films and television productions as part of Spectrum Films’ visual effects team, while gaining real-world experience in a professional studio environment.
Screen NSW Executive Director Kylie Munnich said initiatives such as Lumina play an important role in creating a more inclusive screen sector.
“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. 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.”
Kylie Munnich, Executive Director, Screen NSW
As Lumina enters its next chapter, the focus shifts from training to employment outcomes. The internship program provides participants with direct industry exposure while continuing to build a more accessible and representative future for Australia’s visual effects sector.
For more information about Lumina, visit spectrumfilms.com.au/lumina or busstopfilms.com.au/lumina-vfx-program.
