VFX and design company Blur Studio has hired Dan Akers as visual effects supervisor. With nearly 15 years of experience in the VFX industry, Akers has among his credits the photoreal “Become Legend” piece for online shooter Destiny which garnered VFX honors at last year’s AICP Show while also earning 2015 VES Award nominations.
“Dan has a great track record of handling both the creative and technical aspects involved in creating beautiful imagery. He is a key hire for Blur as we extend our reach deeper into the live-action VFX world and beyond. He’ll help us push the studio forward as we explore new ways to tell stories,” shared Tim Miller, Blur co-founder and Deadpool director.
Akers stated, “I’ve always admired the work coming out of Blur and I believe in the company’s vision for the future. I can’t wait to work with a team that’s made world class work and continues to innovate.”
Akers comes to Blur from Digital Domain, where he most recently served as VFX and compositing supervisor, largely for commercial projects, overseeing the Nike spot “HyperAdapt 1.0 self-lacing shoe,” as well as spots for UFC, Lexus, Cadillac, Nissan, Kia, Assassin’s Creed, and the Destiny franchise. Akers’ recent VFX work has included films, from David Fincher’s Gone Girl to this summer’s controversial Eye in the Sky. Throughout his career Akers has lent his talents to the Star Trek, Transformers and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, Tron: Legacy and Oblivion. He's also been part of Oscar-winning/nominated teams for Best VFX on projects including The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Real Steel, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Transformers and Star Trek. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design.
The addition of Akers to Blur underscores the studio’s momentum in the commercial and VFX worlds, having recently completed end-to-end services, including compositing, color and finishing, on live-action projects for GMC and upcoming first-person shooter “DOOM.”
In addition to hiring Akers, Blur has brought on DP Ken Seng as a visual consultant. Seng is a seasoned shooter with film credits on Deadpool and Project X, and award-winning commercials for clients such as American Express, Coke, Samsung, Gatorade, Audi and others. Seng will provide creative consultation for Blur projects, leveraging his live-action experience to enhance Blur’s CG and animation work.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More