#United States #Los Angeles #Global Expansion #Crafty Apes #VFX

Crafty Apes Accelerates Global Expansion

In a bold move to strengthen its presence on the international stage, Crafty Apes has recently announced a series of key senior hires across its offices in the UK, Canada, and Australia. As the demand for high-quality visual effects (VFX) escalates worldwide, this expansion signifies a pivotal moment for one of the industry's leading VFX companies.

New Leadership Team in Sydney

Crafty Apes has made significant strides by appointing two vital leaders within its Sydney office. Adam Paschke, celebrated Creative Director and Senior VFX Supervisor, is set to helm the studio, overseeing major feature projects. With a rich history in VFX that includes work on significant titles within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and contributions to iconic films such as Alien: Covenant and X-Men: Days of Future Past, Paschke brings a wealth of experience to the role. His visionary leadership is expected to elevate the studio's creative endeavors and output.

Joining Paschke is Jeanette Manifold, appointed as Head of Studio. Previously associated with prestigious firms such as DNEG and MPC, she has managed global teams on blockbuster titles like Avengers: Infinity War and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Manifold's extensive operational know-how will undoubtedly serve Crafty Apes well as they tackle increasingly complex VFX projects.

Montreal Studio Welcomes Javier Roca

The Montreal studio also sees a new addition with Javier Roca stepping in as the Creative Director and VFX Supervisor. Roca is an industry veteran who has honed his craft at renowned companies like Weta FX and Industrial Light & Magic. His portfolio is a testament to his skill, featuring high-profile projects that rely on intricate CG environments and special effects. Currently engaged in supervising an unannounced action-comedy for a major studio, he represents a significant asset for Crafty Apes moving forward.

Expanding London Team

Meanwhile, in London, the company welcomes Clare and Jonathan Cheetham to its workforce. Clare, an Emmy-winning VFX Producer, carries over two decades of experience from industry leaders such as Double Negative and Framestore. With credits that include critically acclaimed works such as Chernobyl and The Martian, she will focus on enhancing the studio's business development strategy in her new role as Executive VFX Producer. Jonathan brings a rich background as a VFX Supervisor, contributing expertise that has shaped blockbusters including Solo: A Star Wars Story and Asteroid City.

Aiming for Excellence

Alana Newell, CEO of Crafty Apes, emphasized the importance of these new hires, stating, "These hires mark a key step in our global growth. Each individual brings a commitment to our craft and an exceptional dedication to quality and collaboration. Adam’s mentorship has been crucial for me, while both Clare and Jonathan integrate seamlessly into our team culture. Javier’s creative approach and Jeanette's ability to cultivate strong teams are invaluable."

In recent years, Crafty Apes has positioned itself as a formidable player in the visual effects industry, boasting an impressive portfolio of work that includes cinematic successes such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Stranger Things. Established in 2011, the firm operates across multiple studios located in key cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Vancouver, Montreal, London, New Jersey, New York, and now, Sydney.

As Crafty Apes continues to pursue its vision for global expansion, the integration of senior talent across its international locations is expected to bolster its capabilities and contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of high-end visual effects. To learn more about Crafty Apes and its latest ventures, visit www.craftyapes.com.