Studio veteran and former VFX supervisor will continue to oversee software development and systems engineering teams, as well as SPI's technical infrastructure, as he moves forward on major initiatives to modernize the VFX and animated feature film pipeline.
Former Sony Imageworks SVP, systems engineering, and software development Mike Ford has been named the company’s chief technology officer, reporting to executive vice president Michelle Grady. In addition to his new duties, Ford will continue to oversee the software development and systems engineering teams, as well as SPI's technical infrastructure.
"Mike is a dedicated leader to the software development and systems engineering teams,” remarked Grady. “He embraces a forward looking, strategic approach to our technology that allows our talented artists to put inspired images on screen.”
Ford has over two decades of experience in animated features and VFX in all areas of the production pipeline. In his former role as a VFX supervisor, he supervised the films Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Smurfs: The Lost Village, and Concussion, working with filmmakers to execute the creative vision of the films. He also contributed as a supervisor on films such as the Academy Award-nominated Surf's Up, Open Season, and Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs.
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to lead the talented and innovative technology group at Sony Pictures Imageworks,” shared Ford. “It’s a special place and under Michelle’s leadership we continue to push forward on a series of major initiatives to modernize our industry leading VFX and animated feature pipeline. By combining proprietary and emerging technology with our gifted artist and production teams, Imageworks will continue to deliver for our filmmaking partners now and into the future.”
A member of the Short Films and Animation Branch of Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, Ford serves as a board member of the Academy Software Foundation (ASWF).
Source: Sony Imageworks
