Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the VES?
To advance and promote visual effects and empower our global honorary society membership through professional education, enriching benefits, fostering community, and industry recognition.
Who are VES members?
The VES represents the full breadth of visual effects practitioners including artists, technologists, model makers, educators, studio executives, supervisors, PR/marketing specialists and producers. VES’ nearly 5,000 members in more than 45 countries worldwide contribute to all areas of entertainment – film, television, commercials, animation, music videos, games and new media.
What kind of events and programs does the VES host?
The VES hosts a diverse roster of educational programs, from practical skills-building workshops and career/business development forums to presentations by industry experts and cutting-edge new technology demos. It also hosts galvanizing annual events including the VES Summit and prestigious VES Awards. Members also enjoy special access to exclusive film screenings, panel discussions and social/networking events.
How can I become a VES member?
Applicants for VES membership must be actively engaged in the production or creation of visual effects or your professional activities are closely aligned with or in service to the field of visual effects for not less than five (5) years, within the last ten (10) years preceding application for membership, unless extenuating circumstances can be proven, or they must have been openly acknowledged for exceptional achievements in or other contributions of merit to the field of visual effects and related arts and sciences, as determined by the Board of Directors. Every applicant must be endorsed by two (2) VES members in good standing, each of whom must submit a letter of recommendation to the VES on the applicant’s behalf. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate visual effects abilities, a professional reputation and personal objectives which are consistent with the Visual Effects Society’s objectives.
If you meet these requirements and would like to fill out an application, simply roll over the ‘Membership’ tab and click on ‘Apply to Join’ from the dropdown menu. Complete the online application, and pay the required application fee (US $300 for Spring, and US $200 for the Fall). *Every new applicant must either submit their resume/CV or complete the Visual Effects Work History form and submit letters of endorsement from two (2) current VES members.
How can I get involved with the VES as a non-member?
Join our social media community – Follow us on Twitter at @VFXSociety, join the VES LinkedIn group, ‘Like’ the VES Facebook page or subscribe to our YouTube channel. The VES regularly hosts or co-sponsors events that are open to the general public – keep checking the Website for updates on our calendar. And non-members are welcome to volunteer to help with our events if you’re located in a VES Section (Australia, San Francisco Bay Area, France, Georgia, Germany, India, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York, New Zealand, Oregon, Toronto, Vancouver or Washington state).
How do I renew VES membership following a lapse?
How can I change my password?
To change your password:
- Login to the VES website by clicking the link the “MEMBER LOGIN” link in the middle left of the page, and enter your user name and current password or e-mail address.
- Go to your profile page by clicking “Edit Profile” in the middle left of the page.
- Enter your new password in the second and third fields, and click “Save Profile.”
How do I edit my Profile?
- Login to the VES website by clicking the “Login” button in the top right corner of the page. Enter your email address or user name and current password.
- Go to your profile page by clicking “View Profile” button near the top right corner of the page.
- On your profile page, click the “Edit My Profile” link next to your name.
- You can also upload a picture and update your public and private information, including your contacts, physical address and screener shipping address. You’ll also be able to choose which print subscriptions you wish to receive based on your location.
How can I retrieve my username and password?
You can log in with your username or email address.
If you don’t remember your password click on the “reset your password” link under the login button. It will ask for your email address and send you a link to reset your password. If it doesn’t recognize your email address, please contact the VES office to update the email address on file.
Once you’re logged in, you can go to your Profile page (vesglobal.org/edit-profile). You’ll be able to set your password and change your username and email address if you choose.