Education Manager at CDW Studios · Chair of Melbourne SIGGRAPH · Access:VFX Advocate

Mark Flanagan has spent his career at the intersection of creativity, technology, and education—circumnavigating the globe in pursuit of meaningful storytelling and community building.

Originally trained as an architect in Dublin, Mark pivoted into 3D art and animation at Ballyfermot College before launching his career in the UK games industry.

His journey has since taken him through leading roles at Codemasters, DNEG, ILM, Pixar’s RenderMan Group, Epic Games, Netflix, and Animal Logic. (In the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA.)

Now based in Melbourne, Mark is the Education Manager at CDW Studios, where he shapes curriculum and champions emerging talent in animation, VFX, and games.

He also serves as Chair of the Melbourne SIGGRAPH Chapter and is an active Access:VFX advocate, working to make the creative tech industries more inclusive and accessible.

A frequent speaker at international events such as SIGGRAPH, FMX, VIEW, and GDC, Mark remains deeply committed to mentoring and fostering learning communities wherever he goes.

Curiosity is his greatest motivation, and he loves to share his passion for learning with anyone who cares to listen!