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June 28th, 2022 – Toronto based visual effects studio, Rocket Science, is proud to announce the appointment of VFX Supervisor Peter McAuley to the team.

McAuley joins a solid list of VFX Supervisors covering a slate of feature film and episodic work, including THE BOYS (Amazon), WEDNESDAY (Netflix), and HALO (Paramount)+. 

“We are thrilled to bring Peter onboard our growing roster of VFX Supervisors. He brings a wealth of creativity and technical knowledge from his extensive commercial experience. We look forward to leveraging his creative vision and execution in camera and in post”, says Anthony Paterson, CEO / Sr. VFX Supervisor

McAuley is onboard to supervise visual effects on Jean-Francois Richet’s THE PLANE (Lionsgate) and Rachel Morrison’s FLINT STRONG (MGM), after delivering on David Cronenberg’s CRIMES OF THE FUTURE, currently in theaters.

Peter began editing commercials and music videos in the 80s, later becoming a partner at Daily Post. By the mid 90s, Peter was signed on to shoot commercials and music videos around the globe as a VFX Supervisor. Working for The Mill, Framestore, MPC, Technicolor, Method, with top Directors on key shoots, including Drake’s Hotline Bling with Director X, Joe Pytka’s Budweiser Superbowl spots, and Bob Hooper’s Budlight Superbowl spot. 

Peter migrated to long form as a VFX Supervisor on Deepa Mehta’s FUNNY BOY (Array), a feature that received eight Canadian Screen Award (CSA) nominations, including Achievement in Visual Effects, Film. 

“Rocket Science has been a great landing pad for me. The studio has a wealth of talent and their production management teams are top shelf.  I am thrilled to work together more closely to continue my filmmaking adventures,” says McAuley. 

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 epic video game adaptation HALO (Paramount +), Steve Blackman’s UMBRELLA ACADEMY (Netflix), and features such as Neil Jordan’s GRETA (Sidney Kimmel) and David Cronenberg’s feature CRIMES OF THE FUTURE.

RSVFX is currently in production on Tim Burton’s WEDNESDAY (Netflix), Mike Flanagan’s Edgar Allan Poe adaptation FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Netflix), Rian Johnson’s POKER FACE and Jean-Francois Richet’s THE PLANE (Lionsgate).

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June 21st, 2022 – Emmy nominated visual effects studio Rocket Science (RSVFX) delivered over 2000 CG heavy visual effects shots over six (6) seasons for the hit Amazon SciFi series THE EXPANSE.

As a lead vfx vendor, THE EXPANSE Production VFX team, led by Sr. VFX Supervisor, Bret Culp and veteran VFX Producer Krista Allain, leaned on RSVFX to carry the bulk of the CG spacecraft, large scale 3D environments and heavy fx work across the series. Chris Nokes, VFX Supervisor and Kayden Anderson VFX Producer, led the RSVFX team of 300+ artists over 6 seasons. 

“We were extremely sad to see the series end.” says Anthony Paterson, Co-Founder / Executive VFX Supervisor. “The Expanse will forever be woven into the fabric of the company. I am extremely proud of our crew. The series pushed us year over year to utilize technical innovation and creative prowess to deliver visually stunning work that created new worlds for our audience. Like the Millenium Falcon, the Rocinante is our icon. We are very thankful to Naren, Bret, Krista, Manny, Lewin, Alicia, Alcon and Amazon for trusting in us.  Remember the Cant!”

Along with the hero ship, the Rocinante, Rocket Science created the majority of spaceships featured; the Pella, Tynan, Edward Israel, Medina and Canterbury are a few standouts. Over fifty different spacecraft ranging from single operator drones, shuttles and rock hoppers, to elite mercenary fleets, and warships were modelled, textured and rigged by the build team. Grand space stations and complex environments like the Belter space stations of Medina, Tycho, Pallas and Ceres as well as the alien machine-planet of Ilus and the ominous superstructure over Laconia, were created by RSVFX modellers and environment team. 

Working closely with the Showrunner Naren Shankar and VFX Supervisor Bret Culp, Rocket Science was instrumental in bringing many of the series’ epic space battles to life. From the previsualization team orchestrating the complex maneuvers of duelling warships, to the high-velocity destruction and explosive effects, the team strived to capture the drama and scientific authenticity that defined those key moments. 

“Everyone who worked on the series had a clear vision of the story and the world we were creating. Having built a solid team over six seasons, we met every challenge head on, while taking on the collective mission to push boundaries and test the limits on what we were able to create, all in the service of a great story,” says VFX Producer Kayden Anderson. “The whole team rose to the occasion and consistently delivered season after season.”

All assets were modelled in Maya and rendered in Redshift.

Showrunner for THE EXPANSE is Naren Shankar, with the VFX team helmed by VFX Supervisors Bob Munroe (S1-2), Bret Culp (S2-6), Robert Crowther (S4-5) and VFX Producers Krista Allain (S2-6), Sarah Wormsbecher (S3-5). Manny Danelon served as Producer and Lewin Webb, Co-Executive Producer. Alicia Hirst and Gary Mueller helmed Post as Post Production Executive and  Co-Producer respectively.

The Expanse, set in a colonized solar system, begins with the governments of Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt locked in long-standing conflict. The crew of the Rocinante—an illegally salvaged warship—stumbles onto a vast conspiracy and a mysterious alien technology that threatens to upend the balance of power and the fate of humanity. The Expanse is a high-action, realistic sci-fi adventure that broadens the vision of humanity’s path in the future as well as a deeply-felt examination of the most critical, raw, and pressing issues of today.

The Hugo Award-winning series is based on the hugely popular science fiction novels by James S.A. Corey, and was developed and scripted by the Academy Award-nominated writing duo Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby. The executive producers are Naren Shankar, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Laura Lancaster, Sharon Hall, Sean Daniel, Jason Brown, Daniel Abraham, Ty Franck, Dan Nowak and Ben Roberts. Shankar serves as showrunner for all seasons. The Expanse is produced by Alcon Television Group.

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 epic video game adaptation HALO (Paramount +), Steve Blackman’s UMBRELLA ACADEMY (Netflix), and features such as Neil Jordan’s GRETA (Sidney Kimmel) and David Cronenberg’s feature CRIMES OF THE FUTURE.

RSVFX is currently in production on Tim Burton’s WEDNESDAY (Netflix), Mike Flanagan’s Edgar Allan Poe adaptation FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Netflix), Rian Johnson’s POKER FACE and Jean-Francois Richet’s THE PLANE (Lionsgate).

Visit rsvfx.com

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.

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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