Spectrum Films and Bus Stop Films have announced six participants in the Lumina VFX program supported by Netflix. The program is an industry-first initiative aimed at creating post-production career paths for people who identify as autistic.
The 2025 Lumina VFX cohort includes:
– Lauren Kilner (New South Wales)
– Alexander Kurtz (New South Wales)
– Bonnie Street (SA)
– Hugh Gwyn Jones (QLD)
– Noah Rucker (New South Wales)
– Jay Tatham (New South Wales)
This 12-month bespoke program, with further support from Dell Technologies, Boris FX and Xenon, is designed to give participants practical foundational skills in two core areas of VFX: rotoscoping and tracking, while receiving guidance from industry-leading experts.
Through this program, participants can collaborate on real-world projects, gain training experience, and connect directly with industry mentors. Participants will take part in a workshop hosted by Netflix that will give them a behind-the-scenes look at the post-production of the upcoming local series “My Brilliant Career,” including hands-on experience in a real VFX spot.
“Our goal with Lumina is to uncover a comprehensive pathway to post-production and visual effects,” said Deanna La Grassa, COO and Head of Screen at Bus Stop Film.
“Thanks to Netflix’s support, we are not only nurturing up-and-coming talent, but shaping an industry that reflects the diversity of our community on and off screen.”
Spectrum Films head of VFX Adam Archer said the team is excited about the crew.
“I look forward to seeing the next generation of talent emerge. It’s a very exciting time for the industry to champion diverse talent through inclusion and harness this unrealized potential,” he said.
Debra Richards, director of APAC studios and production at Netflix, added: “Initiatives like the Lumina VFX program are a hugely important way to forge a real pathway into the industry. It’s exciting to see the creativity and talent on display in the 2025 generation, and we’re thrilled to be able to play a part in helping these new voices find a home in the screen industry.”
