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    VFX/Animation News & Developments for October 2020

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    Pixomondo Greenlights Virtual Production Studio 
    Oscar-winning (Martin Scorsese’s Hugo) VFX company Pixomondo (PXO) announced that construction on one of Canada’s first virtual production studios is underway in Toronto. Set for completion  by the end of 2020, the facility is expected to be the largest in the world and will be overseen by Mahmoud Rahnama, PXO Toronto/Montreal head of studio.

    PXO has designed a modular smart stage offering that includes multiple Toronto-based layouts. The stages will be available for shoots, and equipped with on-set PXO personnel for productions using the company’s 3D environment creation services.
    Mayfair Equity Partners, which acquired a majority stake in PXO in 2018, is backing the new venture with a significant new financial commitment intended to support the company and accelerate growth in 2021 and beyond.

    PXO has assembled a team of technology partners for the new studio, including Unreal Engine from Epic Games, LED manufacturer ROE Visual, and NVIDIA. Initial physical space and other equipment will be provided by Canada’s TV and film equipment rental business, William F. White International. 

    PXO CEO Jonny Slow commented: “It’s fantastic to be able to finally announce these new facilities, which represent a major milestone for PXO and a significant additional investment into our Toronto base. I am also delighted to be able to announce the involvement of Epic, ROE, NVIDIA, and William F. White, each of whom has been instrumental in supporting and facilitating our plan to bring a facility of this kind to one of the world’s largest production hubs.”

    Recent PXO credits include The Mandalorian (Disney+), Perry Mason (HBO), Raised By Wolves (HBO Max), Carnival Row (Amazon Prime), and The Umbrella Academy (Netflix). 

    Upcoming film releases featuring PXO’s VFX work include director Ric Roman Waugh’s Greenland starring Gerard Butler, actor David Oyelowo’s feature directorial debut The Water Man, and Roland Emmerich’s Moonfall.

    Orzea Named Head of Folks VFX’s Toronto Studio
    Folks VFX, a member of the FuseFX brand family, has named Mihaela Orzea as its new head of studio in Toronto, one of the brands’ seven studio locations across North and South America.

    A near 20-year member of the Toronto FX community, Orzea joins Folks VFX after a decade at Pixomondo Toronto, where Mihaela was head of studio in addition to serving as a VFX supervisor and VFX producer on several notable projects, including Ant-Man and the Wasp, Wonder Woman and The Umbrella Academy. Orzea is a well-known mentor and leader in the area, and works as a VFX professor at Centennial College in addition to her full time studio work. Orzea is also a member of the AMPAS Visual Effects branch.

    Anderson Joins VFX Legion In B.C.
    VFX Legion, known for pioneering remote work, has brought CG supervisor Blake Anderson aboard its studio in British Columbia. The newest addition to the recently launched B.C. division’s leadership team, the industry veteran brings a range of skills and experience managing and collaborating with large work-from-home teams of artists on feature films and episodic series.

    Anderson’s 15-years of experience in the industry includes six years as a VFX supervisor for ABC’s hit fantasy TV series Once Upon a Time out of Zoic Studios.  Wonderland, 666, District 9, Stargate Universe, Stargate Atlantis, The 440 and Muppets in Oz are also among his credits.

    Helmed by head of production Dylan Yastremski, the new B.C. studio mirrors its L.A. flagship facility’s structure while further expanding the company’s capabilities.  The opening responds to the increasing demand for VFX Legion’s years of experience working exclusively with home-based teams of talent–creating cost-effective, high-quality visual effects for dozens of films and hundreds of TV episodes. 

    Tags:Folks VFXPixomondo



    Gloria Colangelo joins Identity as managing partner

    Wednesday, November 20, 2024

    Production company Identity has brought Gloria Colangelo on board as managing partner.

    Having spent decades in the production industry in senior roles, including a lengthy tenure as executive producer at companies Assembly and MacGuffin Films, Colangelo brings a wealth of experience to her new position at Identity, which marks a professional evolution of her own. “After an incredibly fulfilling career, I reached a point where I was ready to take on a new challenge and pursue a longtime goal of becoming a partner--playing a more direct role in shaping a company’s vision, fostering talent, and driving meaningful growth,” she said.

    As managing partner at Identity, Colangelo effectively reunites with former colleague, EP Molly Mitchell, and assumes a more hands-on role in shaping the company’s vision and trajectory. “Molly and I are deeply involved,” said Colangelo, “in every aspect of production, from sales and bidding to overseeing shoots and wrapping jobs. This approach feels natural to me, as I’ve always thrived in a role where I’m engaged in all stages of the process. I’m also extremely grateful for the opportunity to be working with owner/EP Joe Masi, someone who I’d admired from afar, and having the support of his belief in our vision.”

    Along with her day-to-day operations, Colangelo is also playing a pivotal role in bolstering Identity’s already strong roster of directing talent. For the new managing partner, however, it’s important that connecting new and existing storytellers occur rather naturally. “I didn’t come to Identity with a set roster,” she explained. “Instead, as I made the decision to embark on this new journey, a few directors I’d worked closely with expressed a strong interest in joining... Read More

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