On January 29, 2025, the Wellington creative community is invited to an exclusive event featuring Virginie Bourdin, a globally renowned Creative Director and Visual Development artist. With a career that includes iconic projects like the Alien Series, Barbie, Harry Potter and Captain Marvel, Virginie will share her unique insights into the art of creative direction and storytelling in the Virtual Art Department (VAD).

This event is a collaboration between Creative Aotearoa French Exchange who run Wellington Animation Festival (CAFE), Women in Film and Television NZ (WIFT NZ), Visual Effects Professionals Guild NZ (VFXG), and the Miramar Creative Centre (VUW), demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering inspiration and professional development within Aotearoa New Zealand's screen industries.

This event is tailored for professionals in the film, VFX and Animation industries providing a great chance to network with peers and explore cutting-edge insights from an international artist and creative business owner.

Discover Virginie’s "secret sauce" for visual development, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and learn how she’s adapting to AI in the creative industry.

Moderation by: Guillaume Renier, 37 Degrees Studios Co-Founder

This event is hosted by:

CAFE/WAFF: Supporting, connecting and empowering French creatives in Aotearoa
WIFT NZ: Advocating for women in the screen industries
VFXG: Supporting the VFX and animation community focusing on advocacy and local growth.
Miramar Creative Centre: A hub for cutting-edge innovation in film and design.
VES NZ: Connecting VFX professionals with a global network to celebrate visual effects excellence.

EVENT FORMAT

6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Welcome drinks and networking
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Panel discussion
- Part 1 (7:00 PM – 7:30 PM): Virginie Bourdin’s presentation, The Art of Direction
- Part 2 (7:30 PM – 8:00 PM): Moderated discussion on:
  - Behind-the-scenes insights from Alien, Barbie, and other projects.
  - Adapting to AI in creative workflows.
  - Contrasting creative markets in Europe and the US.
  - Moderation by: Guillaume Renier, 37 Degrees Studios Co-Founder
- 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Audience Q&A with Virginie.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Drinks and networking at Double Vision Brewery.

🎟️ Tickets
FREE for WIFT, CAFE, VFXG, VUW Staff, $10 for Students, $20 for non-members, wine and nibbles provided.

Contact the host of The Art of Direction. With Virginie Bourdin