In preparation for more upcoming VFX film and television projects, Deluxe Australia’s Head of VFX, Simon Rosenthal has recruited the highly-regarded James Whitlam as Head of Production, Feature VFX at Sydney based Method Studios and promoted Tom Wild to Deluxe’s National Head of Production, Feature VFX, spanning both Iloura and Method Studios.
‘The pair bring a wealth of experience to our collective of Sydney and Melbourne based Artists as we continue to challenge ourselves on feature films such as George Miller’s Fury Road for Warner Bros and as we gear up for at least one other exciting Hollywood production’, says Rosenthal.
After 4 years working alongside the Iloura crew, Tom’s previous role as Head of Production at Iloura will expand into a national focus. Tom brings 15 years’ experience to our team; his expertise stems from film and television animation and VFX in project management and supervisory roles. He is readily looking forward to his new emphasis across both studios and says, ‘the opportunity to continue to be involved in the great work that we are justifiably renowned for, combined with building an integrated pipeline between the production houses is something I am very excited about.’
James joins our Sydney studio with 22 years’ experience in CGI and visual effects, covering a full range of roles across a broad spectrum of screen industries. He was there at the birth of feature film digital visual effects in Australia and has worked across a whole range of prestigious feature films, television and commercials. He is the Co-chair of the Australian section of the Visual Effects Society, and a member of the AACTA visual effects branch. James is armed and ready to tackle his new role, he says, ‘It's great to be working at the forefront of Australian visual effects again. The calibre of talent here is world class and alongside the stellar work in progress on George Miller's Fury Road there's an exciting pipeline of projects in the wing.’
Iloura and Method Studios are divisions of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. The studios are currently working on Mad Max: Fury Road and their recent collective credits include; I, Frankenstein, The Wolverine and The Great Gatsby. Iloura’s additional credits include; After Earth, Emperor and Ted, and Method Studios Australia’s credits include; The Railway Man, Argo and The Sapphires.
ABOUT ILOURA: Creative, flexible and results driven. Based in Melbourne Australia, Iloura houses a collective of award-winning VFX and animation artists who are motivated by creativity and technical innovation. The 100+ team of artists and technologists assist clients to engage with any audience across any media platform. Whilst Iloura’s highly-regarded reputation has been built around its character animation work, the studio also produces outstanding results in matte painting, compositing, FX animation and motion design for the film and television industries. Iloura is passionate about producing the best impact on screen – from the production of high quality, fast-turnaround pre-visualisation through to a flawless final shot or sequence – always hungry for a challenge and a reason to push the boundaries. For more information, please visit: www.iloura.com.au
ABOUT METHOD STUDIOS AUSTRALIA:
Method Studios is an award-winning international visual effects group with facilities in Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, London, Sydney and Melbourne. The Australian division services feature films as well as high-end commercial and motion graphics clients in the global market place. Method’s international facilities provide a full range of services including conceptual design, look development, on-set supervision, 3D animation/CGI, matte painting, compositing, editing, colour grading, sound mixing, title design, game cinematics and finishing. Method Studios is an artist-driven company known for its creativity. For more information, please visit: www.methodstudios.com
ABOUT DELUXE: Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., Deluxe is a leading provider of a broad range of services and technologies for the global digital media and entertainment industry. Bringing together a comprehensive network of specialized companies with best-in-class artistry, cutting-edge technology, streamlined delivery and distribution solutions and customized management strategies. Deluxe approaches all of its businesses with an ingrained attention to quality, detail and creativity. From start to finish, in whatever format or language is required, Deluxe has the infrastructure and in-house capacity to provide complete solutions to a broad range of customers, including: major motion picture studios, television networks and cable companies, advertising agencies, brands, production companies, independent distributors and content owners. For more information, please visit: www.bydeluxe.com