Pixel Pathway: Cultivating diverse talent
At CETA Software, we believe the future of VFX and post-production should be as dynamic and diverse as the stories our clients tell. That’s why we didn’t hesitate when Coffee&TV and Residence Pictures invited us to join Pixel Pathway, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to train the next generation of creative talent, opening doors for people from all walks of life and addressing the skills gap in our industry.
It’s an ambitious goal, and we’re proud to provide the essential tools and knowledge trainees need to succeed in the real world of VFX.
“I’ve always used CETA Software throughout my career and I was pleased to see that Coffee & TV used it when I arrived to launch Residence Pictures a few years ago. We couldn’t foresee training the next generation of post & VFX talent on any other software which is why we came to CETA for support.”
Cara Kotschy, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Residence Pictures
A hands-on approach to training
From July to September 2024, the first Pixel Pathway cohort embarked on a three-day-a-week training programme, combining in-studio sessions with take-home tasks. The curriculum spanned 169 pages, covering everything from technical fundamentals like compositing and colour grading to essential soft skills like networking, CV writing, and interview prep.
The goal? To prepare trainees not just for entry-level positions, but for long, fulfilling careers in an ever-changing industry. At CETA Software, we focused on delivering practical training on one of the most critical aspects of production: budgeting and resource management.
Training the next generation on the singularities of managing VFX budgets
Through Pixel Pathway we trained participants on how to:
Maximise resources.
Prepare for agile bidding.
Track deliverables and keep real-time visibility of project margins.
“CETA Software exposes young professionals to the full production pipeline, from pitching a project to wrapping it up,” explains Samuel Edney, CEO of CETA Software. “Learning to balance creative goals with business realities is key to succeeding in post-production, and our tools make that connection tangible.”
With CETA Software, trainees didn’t just learn how to manage numbers—they gained insight into how budgets shape creative decisions and help deliver stunning projects, on time and on budget.
A focus on inclusion
Pixel Pathway’s core mission is to bring diversity and inclusivity into VFX and post-production.
“A lack of investment in DE&I and nepotistic culture has maintained an industry of people from similar socio-economic backgrounds, particularly in technical and creative roles, heavily skewed towards white men,” says Kotschy.
Pixel Pathway is addressing this by actively seeking to uncover fresh talent from under-represented backgrounds and provide training up to entry-level standard, which is integral to building a strong, diverse future for post-production.
What’s next?
The VFX training scheme, shortlisted for Best Industry Skills Initiative at Broadcast Innovation Awards, was a resounding success. From this first cohort, Coffee&TV has hired two trainees, one enrolled in a university design course, Cara Kotschy is mentoring another one, and the scheme is using its network to find employment for the others.
With such positive results, plans are already underway for 2025. We’re excited to see how future cohorts take what they’ve learned and shape the industry for the better.
At CETA Software, we’re proud to be part of Pixel Pathway, helping to train and inspire the next generation of post-production professionals.