Spectrum Films, one of Australia’s leading Post-Production and VFX companies, has partnered with Bus Stop Films, the industry’s leader in inclusive filmmaking, to create Lumina, the first Australian neuro-inclusive VFX initiative. Conceived by Adam Archer, Spectrum’s Head of VFX, the program is supported by Netflix, alongside Dell Technologies, Boris FX, and Xenon.
Currently in its development phase, the co-designed pilot program will run for 12 months from October 2025 and involve comprehensive VFX training for 6 successful applicants, who identify as having Autism or are Autistic, with the call out for participants going Australia wide. Tapping into Bus Stops Film’s well established support processes and network, the program will create more accessible pathways to employment in the VFX industry for Autistic individuals.
Adam says of the program “Spectrum Films has proudly supported the Australian and International film and TV industry of over 60 years now, and Lumina is another example of us continuing to do that. We are incredibly passionate about establishing pathways for individuals that are underrepresented in our industry. The unemployment rate for autistic adults in Australia is 34%, three times the unemployment rate of people with a disability and almost nine times the overall Australian unemployment rate. A lot of career opportunities are unnecessarily inaccessible for this community. We believe, given the opportunity, that autistic individuals have the potential to excel within the visual effects industry, and we are developing a program that will give them the tools that will empower them to do just that.”
Dianna La Grassa, COO and Head of Screen for Bus Stop Films, adds “We are extremely excited about this program and what it will mean for the Autistic community in Australia. Bus Stop Films was established in 2009 for this purpose, to create inclusive career opportunities within the film and TV industry, recognising the valuable contributions of neurodivergent individuals and people from underrepresented communities. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Spectrum Films in the development and delivery of Lumina.”
Virginia Moir, VFX Initiatives Producer for Spectrum Films, continues “Having Netflix’s generous support, along with that of our technology partners, is a game changer. Everyone’s enthusiasm for the initiative has been highly encouraging. Input from the greater visual effects community will help us to ensure Lumina is as successful as possible. Having the pathways support from VFX vendors such as Fin Design + Effects and DNEG, will only add to that success.”
Michaal Monk, Netflix Post Production ANZ, concludes “By including as many different perspectives and lived experiences as possible, we make our stories more universal and representative of the world around us. Lumina addresses a real gap in our industry, and we’re proud to join forces with Spectrum Films and Bus Stop Films to bring this groundbreaking filmmaking and VFX program to life, raising the bar for authentic, inclusive storytelling.”
Lumina will be a 100% online program, providing the 6 participants tutor-lead training in rotoscoping and matchmove using the Boris FX Suite, delivering a broad knowledge base of visual effects and developing the foundation skills needed for employment within the visual effects industry. The initiative has been designed in consultation with the Autistic community to ensure the program is both accessible and effective.
For more information about Lumina visit spectrumfilms.com.au/lumina.
About Spectrum Films – Family owned and operated since 1964, Spectrum Films is the leading full-service post production and VFX company in the Australasian region. Spectrum remains at the forefront of industry technologies and innovation, ensuring world class support and creative excellence for many of the industries most talented storytellers.
