Answering the demand for customized high-quality CG services, Hinge Digital today announces its official debut as a premier full-service 3D animation and visual effects studio. Founded by Roland Gauthier, Michael Kuehn and Alex Tysowsky, Hinge Digital offers over four decades of combined experience in high-quality photo-real CG and character animation at renowned studios including Walt Disney Feature Animation, Sony Imageworks and Laika Entertainment.
Based in the burgeoning creative mecca of Portland, Ore., Hinge Digital has operated under strategic development since 2009. During this time, the company has produced commercial campaigns and interactive projects for clients and advertising agencies including Target, Nike, Microsoft Bing, AKQA/SF and Razorfish Inc. In collaboration with Zimmerman Advertising, Hinge Digital created the fully 3D animated Sales Guide “hh,” for home appliance and electronics retailer hhgregg. To date, the team has produced more than 20 commercials for the campaign, now in its second year.
Extending its presence throughout the entertainment industry, Hinge Digital also specializes in the development of film and television properties based on original content from graphic novel and creature-feature genres.
Roland Gauthier, Founder and Executive Producer
Roland Gauthier provides a wealth of experience both as a supervisor and a solutions-oriented production artist within the commercial and film industries. With over 10 years of VFX experience, he has worked on prominent projects and brands including M&M’s, Honda, Microsoft and Henry Selick’s award-winning animated short, Moongirl. A founder of Hinge Digital, Gauthier serves as the company’s Executive Producer, focusing his talents on business development, budget maintenance and creative direction. Additionally, he stays current with tools and techniques through regular involvement in hands-on production.
Joining the ranks of Will Vinton Studios’ Commercial Division, now Laika/house, he began as a Character Technical Director, quickly advancing to Senior Technical Director and taking lead on dozens of commercials for companies including Wrigley’s, Cheerios and Cox Communications. Gauthier was promoted to CG Department Manager of Laika/house where he oversaw a crew of twenty regular and project staff, managed departmental budgeting and resource allocation, and directed the development of new tools, techniques and internal projects. In collaboration with in-house producers and directors, he developed bids and helped determine the scope of commercial projects.
Michael Kuehn, Founder and Visual Effects Supervisor
Showcasing a diverse background in digital content creation for the commercial, feature film and video game industries, Michael Kuehn offers nearly 20 years of expertise ranging from previsualization to asset development and animation. A founder of Hinge Digital, Kuehn’s creative sensibility, technical proficiency, and managerial skill fuel his ability to serve as the company’s Visual Effects Supervisor. Additionally, he performs a variety of tasks from creative direction and pipeline creation to team management and business development.
Since establishing his career as a Senior Animator at Simex Digital Studios, Kuehn has held multiple high-ranking roles at studios including Walt Disney Feature Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Laika Entertainment. Combining an in-depth understanding of design with end-to-end production knowledge, Kuehn has established himself as a trend-setting visionary within the industry. With an extreme passion for compelling animation and visual effects, he has lent his talents to many titles including Armageddon, Dinosaur, Reign of Fire, Chicken Little and Surf’s Up.
Alex Tysowsky, Founder and Animation Director
A true veteran within the visual effects and animation industry, Alex Tysowsky has created stunning animation for over a dozen feature films including the Academy Award-winning projects Spiderman 2 and The Chubbchubbs! As a founder of Hinge Digital, Tysowsky utilizes his remarkable skill set to serve as the company’s Animation Director. He additionally maintains a hand in all business aspects ranging from client relations to industry research and development.
With nearly two decades of professional experience, Tysowsky began his career as an animator with Walt Disney Feature Animation, working with studio classics Fantasia 2000, Dinosaur and The Emperor’s New Groove. Later, he joined the Sony Pictures Imageworks team as a Senior Animator to help in the early stages of production, defining animation styles and developing character personality tests for the animated features Harry Potter, Open Season, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
For additional information, please visit www.hingedigital.com, or follow Hinge Digital via Twitter or Facebook.
© 2010 Hinge Digital LLC. All rights reserved. All other brand names, product names, service marks or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
