PANEURAMA Research Report Launch: Insights into Work Environments and Social Skills in the Games, Animation, and VFX Industries in Europe

As the games, animation, and VFX industries continue to evolve at a rapid pace, the need for educational institutions to adapt and prepare students for the demands of the job market has never been more pressing. The report features a collection of diverse voices from 54 leading industry professionals, educational leaders, and young professionals who share their experiences regarding the expectations placed on current graduates entering these competitive fields. This multifaceted perspective aims to foster understanding and collaboration between the three key stakeholders: industry, education, and students. 

The report maps out the expectations of the industry, highlighting a notable shift from valuing 'rockstar employees', those who stand out as exceptional individuals, to prioritising humble, adaptable team players who maintain a healthy work-life balance. Participants in the study discuss how adaptability is defined within these industries and explore the complexities of the current job market. Graduates are faced with the dual demands of being competitive self-promoters equipped with excellent hard skills while also possessing strong interpersonal abilities, further complicating their readiness for employment. 

Educational institutions are also examined in depth, particularly their efforts to balance industry expectations with job market realities. The report identifies trends toward fostering healthier work environments, promoting lifelong learning, and adopting collaborative practices that align with industry needs. Educators are challenged to implement flexible, practice-based, and self-directed educational approaches that prepare students for the unique demands of the industry while adhering to educational mandates. However, the report also acknowledges the persistent challenges in pursuing an industry-led approach, such as conflicting demands, diverse perspectives among educational staff, and the pressures of a competitive job market. 

The report's findings provide vital insights for all parties involved. industry leaders can reflect on their current practices and learn from the experiences of others. Educational institutions will gain a clearer understanding of their own and their students’ efforts to meet evolving industry and job market requirements. Lastly, students will find valuable guidance on navigating their career paths in an ever-changing landscape.  

Additionally, this report serves as the first instalment in a series that will explore key themes such as entrepreneurship and innovation, and technological developments within the industry. The ongoing conversations fostered by PANEURAMA aim to build a sustainable, healthy, resilient, and skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the future. 

By bringing together voices of industry professionals, educational experts, and students, the research reports are not only a reflection of the current status quo but also a stepping stone toward a collaborative platform that will continue to evolve. As industry and educational institutions work together, new creative solutions can emerge to address the challenges faced by all parties.  

To access the full report and learn more about the findings, please visit the PANEURAMA website. The report has been presented and disseminated across European festivals such as FMX in Stuttgart, the International Animation Film Festival and Market in Annecy, and the Animation Festival in Viborg. The finalised version, which includes a new chapter, will officially launch during Erasmus Week, from 14 to 18 October 2024. 

As the PANEURAMA team and the BUas research team move forward, we invite everyone involved in the games, animation, and VFX industries to join the conversation, share their experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions that will ensure the continued growth and success of our creative industries.  

Please connect to us on LinkedIn (PANEURAMA LinkedIn) and contact us for more information. For questions specifically on the report, you can contact Silke Hassreiter at [email protected].  

About PANEURAMA

We aim to help reducing the mismatches between the output of educational institutions and the needs of the animation, computer games, and VFX industries, particularly in the areas of Technological Development, Work Environment and Soft Skills, as well as Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

Our educational partners involve The Animation Workshop/VIA University College, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Université Paris 8, and Animationsinstitut at Filmakademie Baden Württemberg. We collaborate closely with our industry partners Creative Viborg, Beyond Horizon, DIGIC Pictures, Khora, Fortiche Production, Rise FX, Qvisten Animation, CoFlow Visuals and countless associated partners such as EPIC Games, Unity, The Rookies, Adobe, Netflix, and more. 

Read more about PANEURAMA at: https://www.paneurama.eu/