Jamie Lipsham: from UTS to VFX trailblazer

I've always been that kid that played on pots and pans and liked to put on a show. And I think that's really cool to be doing this for work. I'm making shows for work. It's not something I do in my down time anymore. Movies are still cool, and it's cool to work on them.

I'm Jamie Louise Lipsham. I'm a PA, a Production Assistant, so I'm kind of the one managing everyone's schedules, making sure everyone's where they need to be and doing what they need to do. And just running around and getting people there. 

I kind of imagine the VFX pipeline as a physical pipe in my head. There's lots of leaks and outlets, but I picture there to be, like a giant city on top, that's like the film or whatever's in production. And each little leak is where things pop out to get worked on. And then jump back in the pipe and flow down a little bit further until we eventually get to a finished production. 

You need, in a creative industry, to be adaptable and think on your feet. Be ready for change and have as much preparation as possible. Just so you're ready for when things inevitably go wrong, or change, 'cause they always do.

I've been really lucky to have people that genuinely can't help enough. So I've taken that on board, and I'm the poster child of asking a million and one questions and getting things right, and getting things wrong and learning from that. I would probably recommend to get involved in all the workshops available.

There's a lot of free ones. Some are very cheap, if not free. High school and uni is how to time manage really well, and be adaptable and ready for change, and learn things that might go over your head at first.

My granddad has been an amazing part of my life, and he always said, "Take every opportunity you can. Doesn't matter if you earn a little less money, or have a little less time on a Friday night.

Just take it and get that experience. And even if you hate it after six months, then jump out, but you still got whatever that taught you behind your belt."

My degree. It taught me a lot more than just a piece of paper. My adaptability. I've managed to overcome a lot of small and big challenges.

Definitely my way with words, I would think, has got me places. I feel like a lot of indigenous people, specifically, in Australia, don't think that there's a place for them in industries and companies like this. But I can tell you there is. Um, I'm here. I'm doing it. There's a space for me so there's a space for you.

Get in the door.