The FMX in Stuttgart is a Filmfestival for VFX and CGI. While other Filmfestivals such as Annecy mainly represent Animation, the talks at FMX rather dive into current technologies and trends in Visual Effects, Simulations and other technical fields of CGI. The event felt very well organized and more professional than other Filmfestivals. As the Festival is mainly organized for experts to exchange and connect, it could be more fitting to see it as a conference. 

This also led to feeling a little small as a student, while sitting in talks that are complex and advanced in its topic and clearly directed towards a professional audience. Nevertheless, that was a unique chance to dive directly into the heart of the industry. And to get a taste of the trending topics and newest technologies that are dominating the entertainment/digital-visualization industry. We got fascinating insights into big film productions, such as “The last of Us”, “That Christmas” and “Electric State”, on how they managed to create breathtaking effects.

The HSLU gang in front of “Haus der Wirtschaft” the main building of the festival. From left to right: (Jonas Opderbecke, Pedro H. Benz Fagim, Emanuel Strehler, Kai Müri, Tim Markgraf, Alain Fleury, Roya Rahmanian Baradaran, Ole Niemann, Elena Binica, Gerhard Wolf (Adult Swim)

The slogan of this years FMX “Rhythm of change” felt particularly fitting. As the global VFX and Filmindustry currently is in a situation of uncertainty. Global crises, and new technologies such as AI threaten to radically change the job market. The Festival managed well to represent this as the core topic of this year. Resulting in most talks and conferences being about artists discussing how they judge the changes and navigate in these difficult times.

Yvonne Muinde, giving a talk about her exploration of AI tools into her workflow as a Digital Matte Painter and concept artist

While many artists were trying to draw a positive picture of the current industries state, you could clearly feel that many professionals and lecturers were clueless on what the future is holding for digital artists. Not the most ideal condition to start out as a student. But this is where the festival turned out to be successful. As students, it gave us a good idea and insight of what exciting projects are in production or in planning and what fascinating technologies are being developed. But also what the difficulties are we are facing in current times. It was often said that there is a more fundamental, structural change that will force many artists to re-orientate themselves. 

The festival was mainly representing Effects, Games and immersive Media, there was barely talks about Animation. Although some of us are primarily interested in Animation, it definitely was a valuable insight into many different areas within film, game and other digital visual productions. We learned about the term “Offshoring”. Which describes the business model of outsourcing film productions into foreign countries. A model that Hollywood is using extensively to lower production costs. This led to many middle sized studios appearing all over Europe to work on the big blockbusters. Some of the successful cases that were represented at the festival were Storm Studios, Trixter and Rise. 

We learned that the VFX industry is very international. Some of the local studios even organized awesome parties, where we got the chance to connect to professionals and students from other schools.

Although this years FMX was defined by the unstable industry overshadowing the festival, we students decided to stay optimistic and enjoy the time we had. Luckily we could meet some fellow students from The Animation Workshop we knew already. There was plenty occasions to connect with other fantastic artists, visit amazing talks and eat gorgeous food. The festival was a big success!

HSLU and The Animation Workshop united. Dinner at the Umami Ramen Restaurant in the heart of the city.