Image Engine Bolsters Artistic Leadership with Key Senior Hires

VANCOUVER -- Academy Award-nominated visual effects studio Image Engine has announced the expansion of its talent base with three additional senior staff at its Vancouver headquarters. New talent includes visual effects supervisor Thomas Schelesny, visual effects producer Tara Conley, and digital environment supervisor Damien Thaller.

Schelesny, Conley and Thaller bring a wealth of experience to the Image Engine team, drawing from high-end visual effects work at Tippett Studio, Rodeo FX and Scanline VFX. Their leadership experience will reinforce Image Engine’s existing skillset and technical proficiency. Their appointment enhances the continued growth and reputation of Image Engine as a world-class visual effects studio capable of delivering multiple projects across the globe, augmented by sister company Cinesite in Montreal and London.

Schelesny is an Emmy-winning visual effects supervisor with more than two decades’ experience. He spent 14 years studying under visual effects luminary Phil Tippett at Tippett Studio, ultimately taking on the role of visual effects supervisor. Schelesny has also delivered work on projects such as Super 8 and Game of Thrones, and worked on Pan during his time at Scanline VFX. He brings a multidisciplinary skillset to Image Engine, from script writing to storyboarding, animation, editing, production planning and design.

Conley is an accomplished producer with experience on a number of high-profile features, including Game of Thrones, The Twilight Saga and Pacific Rim. She started her career at Rainmaker Entertainment in 2003, and has since worked at studios such as Zoic Studios and Rodeo FX, producing a diverse slate of projects. Conley has a deep understanding of production from the ground up, drawing on past experience to deliver simple and effective solutions.

Thaller is an experienced digital environment supervisor with 20 years’ experience. He has worked at a number of well-established studios, including Fuel VFX, Animal Logic and Industrial Light & Magic. During this time Thaller contributed to high-profile features such as X-Men, Captain America and Star Wars, and worked on the matte paintings of Earth as seen in Alfonso Cuarón’s Academy Award-winning Gravity. Damien brings a deep understanding of 2D/3D environments to Image Engine, from initial pitch through to final execution.

“I’m thrilled to join the Image Engine team,” Schelesny comments. “The studio’s boutique sensibility and collaborative approach -- alongside work delivered on some of most exciting productions in recent years -- made it a compelling studio at which to continue my career. I look forward to telling stories and delivering even more advanced effects to Image Engine’s global audience.”

“People are the lifeblood of any creative studio, and we’re absolutely thrilled to add these three names to the Image Engine senior line-up,” says Image Engine visual effects supervisor Shawn Walsh. “Thomas, Tara and Damien are some of the industry’s most talented people -- their skillset and drive will power Image Engine’s continued growth as we move into the next phase of the studio’s continued evolution.”

Image Engine is currently working on a slate of upcoming features, including Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Lionsgate’s Power Rangers. Recent feature engagements include Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV and Independence Day: Resurgence. Schelesny, Conley and Thaller will be based at Image Engine’s Vancouver headquarters.

Source: Image Engine