I Almost Started a Blacklist...

From Jess : A Word on Integrity, Community & What's Ahead

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about bad actors…and no, not the on-screen kind.

I'm talking about the people who show up in our industry spaces with a smile on their face but a knife behind their back. You know the ones. We’ve all seen them , folks who take credit for work that isn’t theirs, who manipulate, mislead, and honestly just make the space more toxic than it needs to be.

Honestly, I’ve joked about starting a blacklist. But in all seriousness:
Why are we being shitty to each other when times are already so tough?

Let’s stop pretending. Let’s stop stealing. Let’s stop acting like no one notices, because we do.

People talk. Receipts exist. And your reputation will catch up with you.

So if you’re one of those people? It’s not too late. Be better. Do better. 

Now that I’ve said my piece, let’s get to the good stuff.

It’s been a wildly busy few weeks (anyone else feeling the end-of-year chaos already?). Between Tech Week, NAB New York, and prepping for next month’s Production Summit, life has been in full motion. I’m so honored to have been elected to the VES Global Board, and yes, still humbly asking for your support as I continue my run for Governor of the Special Visual Effects Peer Group at the Television Academy. Today is the last day to vote!

As always, I’m proud to amplify female entrepreneurs like Pooja, and deeply committed to supporting our community , especially those dealing with challenges like food insecurity or needing a new job opportunity.

You’ll find all that and more in this issue, including how to join Production Summit, how to support others, and how we can all move forward together with more integrity, intention, and respect.

We rise together, or not at all.

With gratitude (and a little fire) :) 🔥
~Jess

Tech Week Recap : Rain, Missed Events, and LA’s AI Momentum

Tech Week in LA was a whirlwind, in the best way. I hit a ton of events, though I have to admit... I missed a couple thanks to the rare LA rain (yes, it actually stopped me, I know, I know... sad for a Chicago girl 😅).

But weather aside, one thing was crystal clear: Los Angeles is solidifying its role as a major hub for technology and innovation. From generative AI to advancements in virtual production, the energy was electric and the ideas were bold.

As a CEO of a tech company based right here in LA, I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this vibrant, forward-thinking community. The momentum we’re seeing, especially in the intersection of AI and media production, is inspiring and aligns perfectly with where we’re headed at Global Objects.

I’ve loved seeing so many posts and shares from the community , it's clear everyone showed up and showed out this year. Already looking forward to Tech Week 2026!

Our industry is evolving fast...from real-time engines to AI-assisted workflows, and it’s critical we have leadership that understands both the technical and creative challenges facing our community.

Honored to Join the VES Global Board 🎬✨

I’m incredibly honored to share that I’ve been elected to the Visual Effects Society Global Board.

Thank you to everyone who believed in me, supported me, and voted , your trust truly means the world.

I’m proud to bring a fresh voice to the table during such a pivotal time for our industry. With the rapid evolution of tools, especially in AI and virtual production, there’s so much opportunity ahead for artists, technologists, and creators alike. I’m committed to advocating for innovation and integrity in how we embrace what’s next.

I’ll do my best to represent our community with the passion, perspective, and persistence this role deserves.

More to come…and I’m excited to grow together.

🎃 Halloween VES Special Effects Panel at Global Objects… Thank You, VES!

We had such a fun and memorable night hosting the Halloween Special Effects Panel for the Visual Effects Society, led by our amazing chair, Theresa. The event took place right here at Global Objects, and we were thrilled to welcome over 77 VES members , many of you came in costume, and we loved it.

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up, shared stories, and brought such great energy. Events like this remind us just how strong and passionate our VFX community really is.

Because of the behind-the-scenes nature of the content shown (👀 exclusive!), we unfortunately can’t share it publicly , but let’s just say, if you were in the room for the "Sinners" deep dive, you know how special it was.

Pro tip: You really do have to show up in person to see the stuff you can’t find anywhere else.

Big thanks to the Visual Effects Society for trusting us to host. We’re always honored to open our doors for events that move the industry forward.

NAB New York: Worth the Flight? Here’s My Take.

I recently flew out to NYC for NAB New York, and let’s just say… it’s no Las Vegas.

For those of us used to the massive, international scale of NAB Vegas, the New York edition feels much more regional and , to be totally honest … very small. If you're local to the area, it's a great quick hit. But would I fly across the country from LA just for NAB NY again? Probably not.

That said, the trip wasn’t a total loss , I made the most of it. I was able to catch up with friends, meet with contacts, and fill my days with a solid round of meetings across the city. But the actual show floor took me one short afternoon to walk through, tops.

And let’s talk real talk: hotel rates near Javits were outrageous this year. I heard the same feedback from other attendees. Between the limited size of the show and the inflated travel costs, it just didn’t feel like the best ROI for an out-of-towner.

If you’re planning around NAB, I’d still recommend holding out for Vegas in April. Bigger crowd, more innovation, and way more to explore.

A Proud Sister Moment at the Waldorf Astoria 💡

Speaking of New York, while I was there, I had the chance to drop by the iconic Waldorf Astoria, and not just for the views. My little brother Nick recently made a major move from LA to Manhattan (right after my wedding this summer!) and is now serving as the Technical Director for Events across all of the Waldorf’s legendary ballrooms.

If you haven’t heard, the Waldorf just wrapped up a $3 billion renovation, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely stunning. Walking through those halls and seeing Nick oversee the technical production across such a historic space was truly a pinch-me moment. He’s grown so much professionally, especially after years of collaborating with Erick and me on productions, and now he’s applying all that expertise in one of the most iconic venues in the world.

If you’re in NYC and find yourself near the Waldorf, reach out, you might just catch Nick in action or snag a quick tour (if he’s not directing his crew behind the scenes 😉).

🎯 New: Community Jobs Board

As many of you know, I sit on several boards across tech, entertainment, and visual effects, and one thing is abundantly clear right now: a lot of talented people are looking for new roles.

So I’m launching a Jobs Board section in this newsletter, a curated list of open opportunities that come through my network and feel aligned with the creative and technical communities we serve.

I’ve already had folks reaching out to ask if I know “someone for this” or “someone for that.” We included a few listings in the last newsletter, and it’s time to make it official.

If you’ve got something exciting happening… a job posting, event, launch, press feature, or community update… I’d love to highlight it in an upcoming issue.

👉 Submit your update here and let’s keep amplifying the incredible things happening across our creative and tech circles.

You’ll now find open roles listed below: ones we believe are valuable opportunities within our circles. If you know of job openings (especially in tech, media, VFX, production, or creative roles), please send them to me or Hannah so we can share them here.

This week, I’m highlighting a role shared by Andy Beach, someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with during his time at Microsoft. Andy is one of the sharpest minds I know in technology + entertainment, and anyone who gets the chance to work under his leadership is in good hands.

💼 Scroll down for this week’s listings : and if you’re hiring, let us know. Let’s get good people in the right rooms.

Coordinator @ Secret Level - Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Assistant, Post Production & VFX @ Lionsgate - Santa Monica, CA, United States of America

Trainee, Post and VFX Services, Spring 2026 @ Sony - Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

📣 A Special Message to Television Academy Members – SVFX Peer Group: Vote Today Before 5 PM PST!

To all my fellow members of the Special Visual Effects Peer Group at the Television Academy:

I’m still very much in the running for Governor, and as final votes are due TODAY, November 10th, by 5 PM PST. I’m humbly asking for your support.

If you're part of the new LinkedIn group for our peer community, you may have seen the video where current Governors Kevin and Eddie asked us (myself and Jim) a series of thoughtful questions. It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from each candidate.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge that Jim is a fantastic person and candidate. I respect him deeply and fully support his continued involvement, no matter the outcome.

That said, I believe I offer a fresh perspective , as a producer, business owner, and someone who actively employs visual effects artists. I also bring deep connections in the tech and innovation space, which I believe will be critical as our field continues to evolve with AI, real-time tools, and new media formats.

One fact really struck me: when I asked the Academy when the last time a female governor was elected for this peer group, the answer was... never.

This peer group has never had a female Governor. I would be truly honored to be the first.

It takes less than a minute to vote, so please take the time to log into your member portal and cast your ballot before November 10.

Spotlight on Pooja & Teck Law – A Legal Force in AI + Innovation

One of the best parts of attending so many events is the people I meet , producers, technologists, entrepreneurs : all shaping the future in different ways. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Girl Scouts event (thank you Nina from Microsoft for the invite!), and it’s there that I met the incredible Pooja.

Pooja comes from the studio side of the business and has recently taken the bold step to launch her own firm: Teck Law. With a sharp focus on AI, data, and tech, she’s building something that directly aligns with what many of us in this community are thinking about right now.

As a fellow female founder, I’m always here to support women carving their own path , and I wanted to make sure you knew about Pooja and the powerhouse work she’s doing. We recently sat down for a conversation that spanned tech, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the wild intersections of them all.

If you’re in the tech or entertainment space and need sharp, thoughtful legal counsel, especially around AI or product development, I highly recommend connecting with her.

Here’s Pooja’s note about her firm:

Teck Law is a boutique law firm focused on partnering with companies to provide clear, practical guidance on navigating an ever-evolving legal landscape in the technology and commercial space, with expertise in artificial intelligence, data, and product counseling.

We’ve worked across Technology, Fashion, Consumer Products, Media, and Entertainment — helping our clients navigate what’s next with confidence, drawing on nearly two decades of experience in top-tier firms and fast-moving companies.

📩 Reach out at [email protected]
 🌐 Learn more at teck-law.com

Find your customers on Roku this Black Friday

As with any digital ad campaign, the important thing is to reach streaming audiences who will convert. To that end, Roku’s self-service Ads Manager stands ready with powerful segmentation and targeting options. After all, you know your customers, and we know our streaming audience.

Worried it’s too late to spin up new Black Friday creative? With Roku Ads Manager, you can easily import and augment existing creative assets from your social channels. We also have AI-assisted upscaling, so every ad is primed for CTV.

Once you’ve done this, then you can easily set up A/B tests to flight different creative variants and Black Friday offers. If you’re a Shopify brand, you can even run shoppable ads directly on-screen so viewers can purchase with just a click of their Roku remote.

Bonus: we’re gifting you $5K in ad credits when you spend your first $5K on Roku Ads Manager. Just sign up and use code GET5K. Terms apply.

Use code GET5K now

🤝 A Note on Food Insecurity — Let’s Show Up for Each Other

This isn’t political — this is about community.

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s due to delays in benefits, employment challenges, or the ongoing impacts we’re all still feeling across the entertainment industry, you’re not alone.

Many of you know that during the fires, I organized drives for children who had lost everything. I believe in showing up, and if I can help in any way, I will.

If you are in need, please connect with me or Hannah privately and in confidence. We’ll make sure any assistance gets to those who need it, discreetly and respectfully.

For those who’d like to support this effort:
My Venmo is @JessLoren
Funds sent will go directly to families and individuals facing food insecurity in our community.

Tough times are exactly when community matters most, and I’m grateful to be in one that believes in taking care of each other.

Let’s continue to look out for one another. 💛

🎬 Production Summit Returns : December 10–11

It’s almost that time again! Production Summit is coming up next month and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you all back for what’s shaping up to be our biggest year yet.

📅 Save the Dates: December 10 & 11
 📍 Click here for the link to apply to attend.

And if you’ve read this far… enjoy a special gift from our sponsors with the code JESS107312025. This code allows complimentary access to both days of the Production Summit.

If you’re part of a startup and would like to be featured at the event, we still have a few exhibitor tables available. This is a great opportunity to showcase what you're building to an incredible cross-section of leaders across tech, media, VFX, and production.

✨ A huge thank you to our incredible partners:
Microsoft, AMD, Chaos, and of course, my team at Global Objects.
I'm especially grateful to our Global Objects board for supporting this event year after year… your trust and collaboration means everything.

Stay tuned, and I can’t wait to see you all in December.

💌 That’s it for now…

As always, thank you for being part of this growing community… the innovators, dreamers, and doers who make all of this possible. There’s so much more ahead, from upcoming meetups to Production Summit announcements and new opportunities on the horizon.

Stay curious, stay connected, and keep building what’s next.

Jess Loren
Founder & CEO, Global Objects