Method, a Santa Monica-based visual effects boutique, has further extended its creative reach, securing 3-D artists Laurent Briet and Olivier "Twist" Gondry, both formerly of Paris visual effects/CGI house Buf Compagnie.
Having recently adopted the Method moniker, the company-which previously was operating without a formal name-has in its relatively brief history established a track record of pulling in noted international talent. For example, it earlier hired effects artist Andrew Eksner from Warsaw and Henry artist Jon Brosnan from London (SHOOT, 11/20/98, p. 7). They were added to a core of talent-assembled by studio heads Jerry Cancellieri and Steve Michaels-that also includes visual effects supervisor Alex Frisch, visual effects artist Chris Staves, visual effects producer Neysa Horsburgh and director of technology Andreas Wacker. Frisch, Staves, Horsburgh and Wacker all came over from 525 Post Production (now 525 Studios), Hollywood (SHOOT, 9/4/98, p. 7). Method now maintains a staff of 25; among other resident effects artisans are Michael Do and Scott McNiel.
The latest to join the fold, Briet and Gondry, will play a central role in developing Method’s 3-D solutions. Briet began his career in ’94 as art director for Cryo Interactive, a leading French video game company, before joining Buf as artist/special effects supervisor. Briet’s credits at Buf include spots for Reebok, Perrier, Snowboard and Smirnoff, and music videos for Bjork ("Joga") and Matchbox 20. Gondry joined Method from Buf where a five-year tenure saw him serve as CG artist and visual effects supervisor, working on spots for AGFA, AirTouch (UK), Clairol, Nescafe, Polaroid and Levi’s, and music clips for Bjork, Neneh Cherry and the Rolling Stones. His background spans more than 10 years in computer science and technology.
The duo has collaborated regularly with acclaimed commercial and music video director Michel Gondry of Partizan Midi Minuit, Paris and New York. Olivier and Michel Gondry are brothers. Briet contributed to director Gondry’s noted Smirnoff spot which earned recognition at the ’97 Cannes International Advertising Festival as well as other international competitions. Olivier Gondry worked with Michel Gondry on Cannes Bronze Lion-winning advertising for Levi’s as well as the ’96 Gold Clio music video honoree "Like A Rolling Stone" for the Rolling Stones. Briet and Olivier Gondry have projects regularly screened at SIGGRAPH Electronic Theater presentations.
Method offers a range of services, including visual effects conceptualization, visual effects supervision, 2-D and 3-D animation, 3-D modeling, digital matte painting and compositing for commercials, music videos, films and HDTV as well as DTV productions. Functioning more as a production company than a traditional postproduction house, Method-which is housed in an 8,000 square foot facility-provides support for its clients throughout all stages of production, from the early stages of conception through design, pre-production planning, pre-visualization, production supervision, visual effects supervision and post.
Comments Cancellieri, "Method’s group of international artists represents a blend of different sensibilities that bring a subtle yet unique aesthetic to the style of work our American and European clients are looking for. This allows us to approach our business on a global level." He adds, "Our artists, who are versed in a wide range of creative solutions, are free to manage the broader scope of the process, providing valuable input at each phase of the project. Today’s paradigm puts the focus on the artist and we look forward to further developing a breeding ground for international artists who share Method’s philosophy."
Method’s spot credits thus far include creating visual effects for such advertisers as Intel, Xerox, Showtime, Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew and Levi’s.
Method is part of the publicly traded, Burbank-headquartered Four Media Company (4MC) family of companies. While Method operates as an autonomous boutique, it can tap into the financial resources of 4MC to invest in leading talent and technology. Cancellieri and Michaels-the former president and CEO, respectively, of 525-originally joined 4MC’s POP Television, the digital postproduction division of POP, Santa Monica, last summer (SHOOT, 7/10/98, p. 7). At that point, they announced that their plans included the launch of a creative visual effects boutique as part of POP Television. Though the POP Television division banner is now defunct, Cancellieri and Michaels held to their visual effects course and with 4MC’s backing, formed what is now Method. Regarding Method’s relationship with 4MC, Michaels asserted that "the vision Jerry and I set forth in our business plan secured the interest and financial commitment from 4MC and complements their strategy for embracing the future. We look forward to creating a unique identity and culture based on the combined, phenomenal skills of our group of artists."
