Press Release #1

For immediate publication

FMX 2025
Film & Media Exchange
On Site May 6 to 9, 2025
On Demand May 10 to June 10

Stuttgart/Germany, November 12, 2024. Change can appear to be overwhelming - like the transition the creative industries are currently going through. One of the driving forces of this is the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

With next year's theme RHYTHM OF CHANGE, FMX adresses the situation, offering a platform for the community to discuss ways to navigate the transformation.

We are very happy to announce that industry legend Paul Debevec ("Matrix", "Avatar", "Gravity") will be the Program Chair of FMX 2025. He has joined the team of FMX curators putting together a first-rate program, dedicated to the latest in Animation, Visual Effects, Interactive and Immersive Media.

Following four days On Site from May 6 to 9 2025, FMX will offer numerous presentations by the international speakers On Demand from May 10 to June 10.

The FMX 2025 Key Visual

FMX 2025 Theme: RHYTHM OF CHANGE

The media landscape is changing. Shifting business models, consolidations and rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence are shaking the foundations of the industry.

Finding our rhythm in the midst of change can be a real challenge. What remains constant is the need for human perception, judgement, communication, and the making of creative choices.

How can we ensure that production technologies enhance and support the goals and intentions of the creators who keep us human and connected through their art?

From education to creation, production to distribution, FMX 2025 will offer insights and inspiration on how to navigate the obstacles and shape the opportunities before us.

FMX Program Chair Paul Debevec - copyright: Eyeline Studios/Netflix

FMX 2025 PROGRAM CHAIR

Paul Debevec received degrees in Computer Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1992 and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 1996.

He is the Chief Research Officer at Netflix’s Eyeline Studios in Los Angeles, overseeing R&D for visual effects and virtual production with computer vision, graphics, and machine learning. In 2002, Paul's Light Stage 3 system pioneered the virtual production technique of surrounding actors with color LEDs to display images of virtual environments for lighting-accurate compositing.

Paul’s techniques for photogrammetry, HDR imaging, image-based lighting, and photoreal digital actors have been used to create key visual effects sequences in "Matrix", "Spider-Man 2", "Benjamin Button", "Avatar", "Gravity", "Oblivion", "Maleficent", "Furious 7", "Blade Runner: 2049", "Gemini Man", "Free Guy", and numerous video games.

Paul's work in technology for visual effects and virtual production has been recognized with two Academy Awards for Scientific and Technical Achievement, the Progress Medal from the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, and in 2022, the Charles F. Jenkins Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award.

Paul is a Governor of the Visual Effects Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a Fellow of the Visual Effects Society, and an Adjunct Research Professor at the University of Southern California.

FORUM

FMX is way more than a conference: with the Forum, the Film & Media Exchange offers manifold opportunities to learn about the latest hardware, software and services, to exchange ideas, and to network.

In the Marketplace, attendees can experience the latest innovations and products of industry-leading companies and start-ups. Workshops, Masterclasses and Company Suites will dig deep into the expertise of our international partners.

Established and up and coming studios scout and reach out to talent in the Recruiting Hub, film and media schools from around the globe present themselves in the School Campus.