Developing a comprehensive list of soft skills relevant to the VFX industry took considerable time—especially identifying which ones are STEM-related, as these are crucial for developing hard skills as well. In my initial attempt, I combined Generative AI tools (Gemini, Copilot, and ChatGPT) with my industry experience to curate the list. It took significant effort to organize it for presentation during the first workshop, where I introduced both the soft skills list and the Soft Skills Passport, which students were expected to use weekly.
My first version included a table outlining the soft skills, how they manifest in VFX work, and practical examples. However, during the workshop, students struggled to understand the concept. Despite this, I persisted and encouraged them to use the Soft Skills Passport and tick off skills weekly. Engagement remained very low.
Soft Skills List Version 1 below:
To address this, I decided to align the list more closely with industry standards, making it clearer and more relatable. Two key sources helped me restructure the list and make it less technical:
- Source 1: Annual ScreenSkills Assessment (2018–19)
I analyzed which soft skills graduates need most.
(I show the ScreenSkills graph listing soft skills in demand, annotated to indicate which are soft vs. hard skills and which apply to graduates versus senior professionals.)
- Source 2: AXIS STUDIOS – Education Outreach Booklet (2024)
Target audience: Students in further and higher education, as well as recent graduates.
Purpose: To provide a deeper understanding of the animation and VFX industry from Axis Studios’ perspective.
The booklet includes two dedicated pages on skills: Core (hard skills) and Soft Skills.
- Source 3: The Core Skills of VFX Handbook (2025)
This handbook, curated by Saint John Walker with contributions from over 100 VFX professionals and supported by UK Screen Alliance, includes 15 chapters for future VFX talent. Chapter 15 focuses on personal and interpersonal skills (soft skills) essential for career growth in VFX.Below I have uploaded the PDF with cover and chapter 15:
Using these sources, I re-elaborated the original list and applied Generative AI again to identify which skills are STEM-related. I then refined the AI output using my industry experience and reasoning to create a final, more accessible list. The updated version is longer but far more applicable. STEM-related soft skills are highlighted in red.
Soft Skills List Version 2 below:
The Final Soft Skills Passport is this link.
To illustrate their importance, consider how scientists use these skills in real life—watching the film Oppenheimer (2023) provides a clear example.
I used Copilot AI to give me soft skills usage from the Film Aligned with VFX Soft Skills, and the result is really insightful. I can use this example successfully in my workshop on soft skills:
- Problem-Solving and Debugging
Oppenheimer and his team troubleshoot complex scientific challenges under extreme pressure. - Technical Engagement
Constant learning and adaptation to new theories and experimental methods mirror proactive engagement with evolving tools. - Attention to Detail
Precision in calculations and experiments is critical—small errors could lead to catastrophic outcomes. - Ability to Interpret Brief
Translating military objectives into scientific solutions required active listening and clear communication. - Team-Working & Communication
Coordinating physicists, engineers, and military leaders demonstrates collaboration and effective communication. - Adaptability & Resilience
Adjusting to changing project demands and political pressures while maintaining focus. - Initiative & Proactivity
Taking ownership of decisions and anticipating challenges in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. - Feedback Receptiveness
Iterative problem-solving and responding constructively to peer and government input.
Takeaway:
The film illustrates that technical brilliance alone is insufficient—success in STEM depends on adaptability, collaboration, and metacognitive skills.