We open on a volcano that grows underwater, erupts at the surface and then spreads out as molten lava, solidifying to form an island. Indeed in a mere 60 seconds we see the evolution of a tropical paradise. Vegetation takes over, with roots bursting through solid rock, vines overtaking everything in their path and palm trees popping up left and right. Nature’s relentless march continues in hyper speed until every inch of the island is covered.
As the last palm tree emerges on a pristine beach, time returns to its normal pace and the finishing touch–a cool bottle of Corona Extra–is placed on a stump between a man and woman who are enjoying life in their idyllic retreat.
“Finishing Touch” was directed and shot by Sean Thonson of bicoastal/international MJZ, with visual effects work from Asylum, Santa Monica, for Cramer-Krasselt, Chicago.
The agency creative team was chief creative officer Marshall Ross, executive creative director Dean Hacohen, creative directors Tom Lichtenheld, Ken Erke and Dan Consiglio, writer Bill Dow, art director Justin Bucktrout, executive producer Sergio Lopez and producer Bob Wendt.
Jeff Scruton executive produced for MJZ with Rita le Roux serving as producer.
For Asylum, the visual effects supervisor was John Fragomeni,the CG supervisor Jonah Hall and the effects exec producer Mike Pardee.
Editor was Einar of Union Editorial, Santa Monica.
Visual Effects Society Elects 2025 Board of Directors’ Executive Committee
The lineup of officers is set for the Visual Effects Society’s (VES) 2025 Board of Directors. The officers, who comprise the VES Board Executive Committee, were elected at the January 2025 Board meeting. The Officers include Kim Davidson, who was re-elected Board chair, and is the first Board member from outside the United States to hold this role since the Society’s inception.
“It is my privilege to serve as chair of our worldwide community of visual effects artists and innovators,” said Davidson. “Since I joined the Society 18 years ago, I have seen the VES grow from a California-based organization to a global society with 16 regional Sections and members in more than 50 countries. As the first chair elected from outside the U.S., I am representative of our thriving globalization, and I look forward to further championing our expansion worldwide. The leadership on our Board brings enormous commitment, expertise and enthusiasm to their volunteer service and I’m excited about what we can achieve, together.”
“Our Society is fortunate to have strong leadership represented on our Executive Committee,” said Nancy Ward, VES executive director. “I am honored to work alongside these exceptional, dedicated professionals, especially amidst this time of dynamic change. We appreciate their commitment to further advance the Society’s global initiatives and impact.”
The 2025 officers of the VES Board of Directors are:
--Chair: Kim Davidson
--1st Vice Chair: Susan O’Neal
--2nd Vice Chair: David Tanaka, VES
--Secretary: Rita Cahill
--Treasurer: Jeffrey A. Okun, VES
Kim Davidson, Chair
Davidson is the president and CEO of SideFX®, a company he co-founded in 1987. SideFX is... Read More