GPL Technologies has hired Felix Fissel to lead its VFXnow unit as Vice President of Global Operations. Fissel, an IT specialist with deep experience in the visual effects industry, will oversee VFXnow operations in Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver. He will also lead business development and seek to expand markets for the unit, a hardware-as-a-service provider to visual effects studios, game developers, editing houses and other creative services companies. Additionally, he will spearhead the launch of a new cloud-based service that will provide visual effects companies with virtual access to rendering capacity, workstations and other high-performance technology.
“Felix brings impressive technical expertise and a clear vision for moving VFXnow forward,” said GPL CEO Brian Terrell. “His passion and experience in visual effects is critical to our ability to meet our clients’ current needs and develop innovative, new resources that will carry them into the future. We’re thrilled to welcome him to VFXnow.”
Fissel joins VFXnow from the visual effects studio Pixomondo. As Global Head of IT, he was responsible for managing the technical infrastructure for seven facilities across three continents. Originally from Germany, he was trained as an engineer at Fachhochschule, Darmstadt, before joining Pixomondo in 2006.
“I am excited to become part of the VFXnow team at a time when emerging technologies and the evolution of the visual effects industry are creating new opportunities for growth,” Fissel said. “Brian is an inspiring leader who has assembled a team of great people who are very good at what they do.”
A key mission for Fissel will be to broaden VFXnow’s offering through cloud-based services. The company plans to introduce a platform that will allow visual effects studios to access rendering, storage and computer resources on an as-needed basis through a private network. “We’re expanding the concept of hardware-as-a-service,” he said. “Companies often need to add capacity quickly but lack physical space to store extra rendering nodes and storage systems. Our clients will be able to access as many render nodes as they need, instantly, without worrying about things like space, power and cooling.”
Fissel added that VFXnow is uniquely qualified to deliver integrated cloud services for visual effects production. “Our model will be less expensive and more attuned to the needs of visual effects studios than other solutions,” he said. “We offer expertise in IT for visual effects and entertainment media production that other cloud providers lack. No one knows that business as well as we do.”
About GPL Technologies
Founded in Los Angeles, Calif., in 2003, GPL draws on over a decade of expertise as trusted technology advisers, adding value for our customers by offering personalized methods of improving IT efficiency, streamlining complex systems and environments, and reducing the costs associated with acquiring and maintaining IT systems with innovative managed services and financial solutions.
For further information, visit http://www.gpltech.com/
About VFXnow
VFXnow designs Hardware as a Service solutions for VFX and media companies. Their client-‐focused offering combines top-‐tier hardware rentals with design and engineering support that ensures punctual delivery for any project. With expertise in managed services, security and VDI, VFXnow equips clients with the ability to remain productive and competitive.
For further information, visit www.vfxnow.com
