VFX Coordinator Training Graduation NYC | Reel Works & Warner Bros. Discovery

On June 11, 2025, Reel Works and Warner Bros. Discovery Access celebrated a major milestone in NYC’s visual effects industry—the graduation of 14 newly trained VFX Coordinators from our industry-driven workforce development program.

Hosted at Framestore NYC, the celebration brought together leading VFX supervisors, producers, and post-production professionals from across New York City to honor the cohort’s achievements and welcome them into the VFX industry pipeline.

 

Warner Bros. Discovery VFX Coordinator Training cohort at the Virtual Production Pier 59 Studios

 

Hands-On VFX Training for NYC Talent

Through 16 intensive training sessions, participants gained hands-on experience in:

  • Shot naming conventions and file management

  • Previsualization (Previs) techniques

  • Budgeting and bidding for VFX projects

  • On-site learning at Pier 59 Studios’ LED wall

  • Insights from guest speakers at HBO, Scanable, Trevanna Post, and other top-tier companies

The program was designed to upskill emerging professionals into job-ready VFX coordinators, with a curriculum tailored specifically to NYC’s fast-paced post-production ecosystem.

Industry Support from HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery

Opening remarks were delivered by Janet Muswell, Senior Vice President of Visual Effects at HBO, and Kaitlyn Herring, Senior Manager of Inclusion Pipeline Programs at Warner Bros. Discovery—who both emphasized the importance of inclusive hiring and diverse talent pipelines in the entertainment industry.

NYC-Based VFX Career Opportunities

Graduates had the opportunity to participate in four one-on-one informational interviews with local VFX professionals. Notable participants included:

  • Vivian Connolly and John Bair, CEO and CCO of Phosphene VFX

  • Local freelance VFX Supervisors and producers who are actively hiring

Phosphene VFX—a studio known for award-winning work on In The Heights and Succession—served as our official NYC training partner, providing Emmy-nominated instructor Renuka Ballal and VFX Supervisor Alexis Sansone to lead the program.

A Growing Network of VFX Coordinator Alumni

 

Warner Bros. Discovery VFX Coordinator graduation featuring Cynthia Kanner, Senior Vice President of Post Production, HBO/Max and Reel Works Board Member

 

After interviews and networking sessions, the celebration continued with drinks and cake. Cynthia Kanner, Senior VP of Post Production at HBO/Max and Reel Works board member, closed the event by emphasizing the value of community and mentorship beyond the program.

These 14 NYC-based graduates now join a growing international network of VFX Coordinator alumni, including cohorts in Toronto, Vancouver, and Los Angeles—all equipped to enter the industry with confidence and skill.

About the Program

The Warner Bros. Discovery Access VFX Coordinator Training program, in partnership with Reel Works, supports emerging talent from underrepresented communities by creating direct career pathways into visual effects. The NYC cohort is part of a national initiative to build inclusive media careers and reshape who gets to tell stories behind the scenes.

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