Author: Emilie Campbell

Leah Bright on Board to Lead

| February 28, 2022 – Rocket Science, a boutique visual effects studio, announced the reinforcement of their global talent strategy with the buildup of their People and Culture department. Leah Bright has joined as a Global Head of People and Culture along with Spencer Heys as Global Recruiter.

“Talent and culture is what sets RSVFX apart. As we continue our growth trajectory and evolution as a company, we value the importance of working with the right individuals to guide and support our talented team. Leah is a highly respected leader specialised in managing people and culture. We are very fortunate to have Leah join RSVFX and continue to solidify our Leadership team”, says Anthony Paterson, Co-Founder / Executive VFX Supervisor. “Likewise, Spencer further enhances RSVFX’s commitment to finding and fostering the best talent in our industry. It’s a pleasure to have both Leah and Spencer join our team.”

Bright completed her Master of Science Degree in Managerial Psychology from the University of Manchester – with her dissertation focus on Diversity in the Canadian Workforce, Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and English from the University of Toronto, and Post Graduate Certificate in HR Management from Seneca College. Awarded with the 2016 HR team of the year across Canada, Leah was also recognized as one of HRM’s Hot Leaders in 2017. She has extensive experience within the Entertainment, VFX/VR and Design industries. She has a proven track record in leading teams with a focus on organizational growth, HR best practices, mentorship programs, training, recruiting, and employee management and engagement.

“Rocket Science is an industry leading studio that embodies artistic expression and technical expertise.  This openness to explore and push boundaries inspires innovative People and Culture initiatives and practices, with a focus on empathy and people development, which I am excited to lead,” said Bright

Spencer completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Ryerson University and a Post Graduate Human Resources Certificate from George Brown College. With close to ten years experience, Heys brings his VFX expertise, with stints at previous studios, and relationships to the forefront with both artists and the industry community alike, he specializes in high volume recruitment and the candidate experience.

Spencer Heys adds “Rocket Science is a people focused studio with unmatched creativity and imagination, which made the decision to join an obvious one for me.  The collaborative and supportive nature of the studio allows everyone to be their best and most authentic self!” 

Leah and Spencer will continue to focus on building the company’s Emmy nominated talent driven creative team, along with fostering RSVFX’s culture.

Rocket Science is an Emmy nominated boutique visual effects studio collaborating with filmmakers to create stunning visual imagery utilizing artistry, science and technology. Located in Toronto, Canada, notable credits include Eric Kripke’s Emmy nominated superhero series THE BOYS (Amazon), the BAFTA winning mini-series TITANIC (iTV), six seasons of Naren Shankar’s sci-fi series THE EXPANSE (Amazon), and features such as Neil Jordan’s GRETA (Sidney Kimmel) and John Leonetti’s WISH UPON (Broad Green Pictures). 

RSVFX is currently in production on Tim Burton’s WEDNESDAY (Netflix), the much anticipated epic video game adaptation HALO (Paramount +), THE BOYS (Amazon), Steve Blackman’s UMBRELLA ACADEMY S3 (Netflix), LOCKE AND KEY S3 (Netflix) from Carlton Cuse and Meredith Averill, and David Cronenberg’s feature CRIMES OF THE FUTURE.

Visit rsvfx.com

Jewett to Supervise Rocket Science’s work on Tier A Streaming Productions

November 23, 2021 – Adam Jewett has joined Rocket Science as a VFX Supervisor at the Toronto based studio. 

“Adam is a rising star amongst VFX Supervisors. His keen eye and technical skillset have already been noticed by industry peers at global awards shows. It’s a pleasure to have Adam join our team to continue to drive our creative and technical potential for our clientele”, says Anthony Paterson, Managing Partner / Sr. VFX Supervisor.

A Vancouver Film School graduate, Jewett jumped into commercials and short films before embarking on specializing in the world of visual effects. Honing his craft through experience in Assets, Technical Direction and Production Management, Jewett has become a visionary creative well versed in all aspects of visual effects. 

An Emmy nominee, THE BORGIAS (Showtime); Adam has also been recognized with a Canadian Screen Award nomination for his work on THE TUDORS (Showtime) and a win for Richard Bell’s feature film BROTHERHOOD.

“Rocket Science has a great reputation of going above and beyond in shaping the look and feel of shows they have been part of. Their credits speak to that. I’m excited to be a part of the team’s creative growth, working with clients and with the company as a whole, to continue to build on that success.” said Jewett.

Adam will take on VFX Supervision for Rocket Science’s scope of work on upcoming Tier A streaming productions.

Additional credits include the upcoming 6^th season of THE EXPANSE (Amazon), WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (FX), Adam Robitel’s ESCAPE ROOM: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (Netflix), Joe Nussbaum’s UPSIDE-DOWN MAGIC (Disney), Edward Norton’s MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN (Warner Bros.) and Kenny Ortega’s DESCENDANTS 3 (Disney).

July 14, 2021 – Rocket Science VFX has been nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie category for their work on THE BOYS S2 at the 73^rd Emmy Awards. All nominations were announced yesterday by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Eric, Stephan and Shalena; as well as collaborating with the whole production team on The Boys. Our team has produced some stellar work. Its an honor to be recognized by our peers. Congratulations to all of the other incredible nominees”, says Anthony Paterson, VFX Supervisor/Managing Partner.

As one of the major vfx partners on the hit Amazon series, Rocket Science has contributed over 500 shots, consisting of large scale CG crowds, CG exploding heads, CG gore/blood and specialty effects work, including Homelander’s laser eye effect as its seen slicing and dicing cast members.

Showrunner for THE BOYS is Eric Kripke, with the VFX team helmed by VFX Supervisor Stephan Fleet, VFX Producer Shalena Oxley-Butler, Kat Greene, VFX Coordinator and On Set VFX Supervisor, Rian McNamara. Anthony Paterson, VFX Supervisor and Chris Ross, VFX Producer, head the visual effects team for Rocket Science.

The Boys is a fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes – who are as popular as celebrities, as influential as politicians and as revered as Gods – abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. It’s the powerless against the super powerful as The Boys embark on a heroic quest to expose the truth about The Seven, and Vought – the multi-billion dollar conglomerate that manages these superheroes and covers up all of their dirty secrets.

The eight-episode Amazon original series is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television Studios with Point Grey Pictures, Kripke Enterprises and Original Film.

Production and post on THE BOYS Season 3 is underway. 

Rocket Science is a boutique visual effects studio collaborating with filmmakers to create stunning visual imagery utilizing artistry, science and technology. Located in Toronto, Canada, notable credits include the BAFTA winning mini-series TITANIC (iTV), Neil Jordan’s GRETA (Sidney Kimmel), John Leonetti’s WISH UPON (Broad Green Pictures), streaming series THE EXPANSE (AMAZON), LOCKE and KEY (Netflix), and the much anticipated series HALO (Paramount +).

Giamos to take on Head of Production Role

July 8, 2021 – JP Giamos has joined Rocket Science VFX as Head of Production at the Toronto based studio.

“JP has built a reputation for delivering stunning visual effects for film and television, while balancing client expectations and internal teams. We are delighted to welcome JP to the team. With his immense experience, he will be key as we grow our business”, says Anthony Paterson, Managing Partner/VFX Supervisor.

JP has delivered VFX on large scale features and streaming TV series. With over 17 years in the visual effects industry, JP recent held post at Mr. X as a VFX Producer and prior to that as Supervising VFX Producer at Deluxe, overseeing the Toronto VFX team.

“Rocket Science has a solid team consistently delivering high calibre visual effects. This artistry, and the company’s culture were a big draw for me.  I’m excited to collaborate with our clients and the team,” said Giamos.

His credits include Scott Cooper’s ANTLERS (Searchlight), Gina Prynce-Bythewood’s THE OLD GUARD (Netflix), Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s READY OR NOT (Searchlight), ALTERED CARBON (Netflix), THE EXPANSE (Amazon), THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY (Netflix) and STAR TREK: DISCOVERY (CBS).

Learn how Rocket Science VFX scales for episodic TV in this fantastic case study with Shotgun.

Rocket Science Producer and VFX Supervisor, Chris Nokes, discusses how the studio workload doubled in size over the last few years.

To read the full article click here: https://bit.ly/2A2wo0X

Some exciting adventures await us Boys fans!

Amazon recently announced that its killer show The Boys is renewed for a 3rd season. 

With season 2 still on the way, fans were thrilled to find out this unexpected news.

To read more about season 3 click on the link: https://bit.ly/32ZYmXu

Viewers can catch season 1 of The Boys on Amazon Prime, today.

 

 

Rocket Science is in the news this week with a great piece featured in Animation World Network!

Click on the this link to find out how Rocket Science scales up to meet the increasing demands of episodic television while keeping our artists connected and engaged during production. 

CTV’s hit drama Cardinal premiered its final season last night after a year-long hiatus.

As a string of grizzly murders continue to rip through Algonquin Bay, Cardinal and Delorme’s investigative skills are put to the test while their working relationship continues to deepen and evolve.

With over 198 shots completed by RSVFX for season 4 alone, our artists and producers are thrilled to have played a role in bringing author Giles Blunt’s critically acclaimed novel adaptation to audiences across the country.

Click on the link to watch  “Robert “ the first episode from season 4.  https://bit.ly/39UDlgv

 

 

 

The latest trailer for the highly anticipated fourth season of The Expanse has been released!

Watch to see the Rocinante crew gear up for their biggest mission yet, as the team ventures beyond the Ring Gate into the unknown. RSVFX is delighted to see many of our fantastic VFX shots featured in this riveting trailer for the Amazon Original!

The 4th season of The Expanse is set to premiere December 13th on Amazon Prime.