Opening Global Doors: Industry Partnerships Unlock New Opportunities for MDS 3D Animation and VFX Students
At Media Design School we believe that education should extend beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with leading industry organisations like the Visual Effects Society (VES) and the Visual Effects Professionals Guild of New Zealand (VFXG), our Bachelor of Art & Design students in 3D Animation & VFX are gaining invaluable exposure to the global creative industry - building networks, developing skills, and opening doors to exciting career opportunities worldwide.
Bridging to Global Expertise: The Visual Effects Society (VES)
The Visual Effects Society (VES) is the entertainment industry's only global honorary society representing the full spectrum of visual effects practitioners. Recognised and respected worldwide, the VES connects thousands of the brightest and most innovative minds working in visual effects today.
At MDS, we are proud to be directly connected with the VES through Programme Director Steve Dorner, who sits on the board of the VES New Zealand regional chapter.
“Being on the board of the VES, New Zealand regional chapter gives MDS international reach to the talent and expertise of the best minds in the industry," says Steve.
This connection is already making an impact. MDS recently received a mention in the latest edition of the VES Voice magazine, which highlighted the school’s role in helping to foster the next generation of VFX talent. The article notes that the New Zealand Section of the VES "boasts a number of meaningful partnerships around educational, networking, social and career development opportunities, including an educational series of talks with Media Design School in Auckland."
The VES Voice feature also emphasised the society’s commitment to growing partnerships with education providers to, “raise the visibility of VFX within that community and among students, to help build the next-generation pipeline of artists and practitioners” - a vision closely aligned with MDS’ mission to prepare students for success on the global stage.
A Strong Local Foundation: Visual Effects Professionals Guild of New Zealand (VFXG)
While our global connections are critical, MDS also recognises the importance of deep engagement within the local industry. That’s why we are a proud foundational sponsor of the Visual Effects Professionals Guild of New Zealand (VFXG).
Through this partnership, our students gain direct access to:
- Industry guest lectures
- Professional networking opportunities
- Mentoring relationships with working VFX artists
This early immersion in professional environments helps our students build real-world experience and connections that are vital for launching successful creative careers.
“Beyond learning the tools, techniques and problem-solving skills critical to a successful career,” concludes Steve, “immersion in industry at an early stage of their education gives our students an experience that engages and motivates the commitment and passion needed to reach their dreams.”
Leading the Way in Creative Tech Education
MDS has always been at the forefront of creative technology education, both in New Zealand and globally. Our partnerships with organisations like the VES and VFXG are part of a broader commitment to ensuring that our students don’t just graduate with a qualification - they graduate with the industry connections, global perspective, and real-world readiness that today’s creative economy demands.
For our 3D Animation & VFX students, this means gaining experiences, insights, and inspiration that set them apart - and set them on a path toward exciting careers in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
