Translate
Login

VES Members Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program

The VES Mentorship Program connects members across all VFX disciplines for peer-to-peer, goal-driven mentorship, fostering professional growth, skill development, and meaningful industry relationships.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources
Click Here
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources
Click Here
Employment Resources
Click Here
Presentations and Materials
Click Here
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources
Click Here
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources
Click Here
Employment Resources
Click Here
Presentations and Materials
Click Here

Mentorship Program Organizer

Neishaw Ali

Neishaw Ali

CEO / Executive Producer

As a founding Partner, CEO, and Executive Producer of SPINVFX, Neishaw Ali has been a prominent figure in the film and television industry for nearly 30 years. Neishaw’s innovative approach led to the creation of BRIO, a cloud & licensed subscription-based AR, VR, and 3D platform, which was acquired by Adobe in 2022. In recognition of her impact, The Hollywood Reporter named her one of the ‘Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment’ in 2024 and 2025.

Neishaw is deeply committed to advancing the local film and television industry as Chair of the Canadian Film Centre (CFC), and the CFC Programming and Innovation Committee, while also serving on the CFC Fundraising+ Committee, CFC Diversity and Governance Committee, CFC Programming and Innovation Committee, and the Mayor’s Economic Advisory Panel. She previously co-chaired the Toronto Film, Television & Digital Media Panel and currently sits on the board of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, along with serving on the Academy Futures Committee. On an international scale, Neishaw contributes to the Visual Effects Society (VES) Board of Directors and its committees, including the VES Health & Wellbeing Committee and the VES Education and Outreach Committee, where she initiated a peer-to-peer mentoring program in 2021, positively impacting over 350 visual effects artists as of 2025. Most recently, Neishaw is also a founding member and Chair of the VFX Women Who Lead Committee, committed to building an industry where every woman in VFX has the support, mentorship, visibility, and resources to rise.

Designed as a “remote” or “in-person” experience, the VES Mentorship Program encourages knowledge sharing, upskilling and career guidance within the VES community, aiming to build a stronger, more connected network of artists and innovators. Since launching in 2021, it has positively impacted over 350 artists.

Every year the VES Member, Education and Training Committee, takes applications for both Mentors and Mentees to participate in the VES Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program. Stay tuned for the information being shared in an upcoming global newsletter.

We’ll be seeking mentors who want to make a real difference by helping someone along in their career path.  And mentees who are looking for some career insights and guidance.  This is a wonderful opportunity for VES members who want to transition their career, acquire new skills or simply get career advice by being paired with a seasoned VFX professional. We’re excited to connect VES members to help each other grow and succeed in this exciting industry.

Mentor Keys to Success

Successful Mentor

There is a dynamic relationship that is created between mentors and mentees. As a mentor, you are a trusted, experienced advisor and a teacher who provides personal and professional advice, guidance,  knowledge, and inspiration to another individual. The purpose of the VES mentor-mentee relationship is to enhance both parties personally and professionally as they share common goals. 

As a mentor, you are committed to helping a mentee achieve their career goals by sharing your expertise and wisdom to help guide their learning. A successful mentor/mentee relationship can be achieved in the  following manner: 

  • A successful mentor will be available and present for the full duration of the program. Reschedules will be up to the discretion of the mentor/mentee pair to follow through. Mentor displays excellent listening skills and is dedicated to the mentoring process 
  • Actively engages the Mentee and helps them determine their areas of strength, weakness, and passion by setting and achieving realistic and attainable goals. 
  • Understands, values, and considers the mentee’s personal and career interests and helps the mentee develop specific professional targets while keeping a long-term plan for their future.
  • Is professional, ethical, and respected by the mentee and by others, and understands his/her own limitations. 
  • Mentor and mentee must be able to trust that they will not disclose their discussions of confidential information with others outside of this program. 
  • Withholds judgment and doesn’t abuse their authority, and is not overbearing.
  • Welcomes and introduces the mentees to the VES Community 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are imperative to providing constructive criticism and guidance without being controlling or critical.

Mentee Keys to Success

A Mentee/Mentor relationship is based on enhancing the Mentee’s professional goals. A mentee interacts with and provides feedback to mentors. Therefore, a mentee must set clear goals and objectives for the relationship. A successful Mentee/Mentor relationship can be achieved in the following manner: 

  • A successful mentee should be responsive and set timetables for certain common objectives.
  • Prioritize specific goals and report on the success or difficulties encountered when performing each task, and follow up on advice.
  • Communication is key as a mentee must clearly specify their needs and questions to the mentor in order to obtain adequate support and guidance. 
  • Mentor and mentee must be able to trust that they will not disclose their discussions of confidential information with others outside of this program. 
  • A mentee should also be both respectful and responsive to the mentor’s advice and actively engage in the mentor relationship. 
  • Continues progressing and is willing to ask questions. 
  • Understands their own limitations.

All Mentors and Mentees must conform to the VES Code of Conduct.

Mentors and Mentees may be asked to participate in a virtual Happy Hour session twice during the program.

School Outreach

Is school outreach more your style? The VES Education Committee is looking for volunteers to provide presentations to high schools and colleges to inspire the next generation of VFX professionals. Contact Rose Duignan for more information.