Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) has kicked off 2008 with a host of new recruits and work undertaken. Packages awarded on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the Wachowski’s Speed Racer, growth in the visual effects scope of Dreamworks’ The Ruins and post starting on Baz Luhrmann’s Australia this month have made for a busy start to the year.
This influx of work mirrors the recent AFC figures (Drama Production Survey, Dec 2007) highlighting the growth of visual effects expenditure in Australia, and is particularly notable as neither Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or Speed Racer were shot locally yet still engaged RSP as their visual effects vendor of choice.
‘We have definitely seen an increase in interest in Australia as a visual effects destination since the PDV rebate was legislated in September and we expect the percentage of international footloose spend to continue to increase in step with the growing capabilities of local visual effects companies,’ says RSP Partner, Tony Clark.
Staffing additions are split across the Adelaide and Sydney offices, and include:
Tony Thorne – Animation Supervisor (previously with Vanguard and MPC)
Charlotte Loughnane – VFX Producer (previously with the Mill and MPC)
Chris King – Research & Development
Hunter Parks – VFX Artist (previously with Rhythm and Hues)
Aaron Barlow – Animator
Jennifer Basen – VFX Co-ordinator
Jennie Zeiher – VFX Co-ordinator (previously with Sky-Skan)
Hailing from Ireland, Canada, USA and Australia, they continue to expand RSP’s crew of international and local talent, creating a dynamic knowledge base for problem solving and innovative creative solutions. RSP continues to be the first port of call for US pre-visualisation work, having recently provided services to Wolverine and Australia, both projects for 20th Century Fox shooting at Fox Studios in Moore Park.
‘Clients respond well to our flexible nature and problem solving approach, which is particularly important in a pre-vis environment. Knowledge gained is also invaluable when working on VFX during post, as we’re already in a position where we know the team and project requirements thoroughly,’ James Whitlam, RSP Executive Producer.
RSP is the only independent Australian visual effects company dedicated solely to feature film. With a filmography spanning 48 features, they have worked closely with US and local studios on projects including Get Smart, Blood Diamond, 28 Weeks Later, Charlotte’s Web, Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix, Superman Returns and The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
[release from Rising Sun Pictures]