COMPOSITING + VISUAL FX
With over 25 years in Motion Design and VFX, I specialise in 2D and 3D compositing, combining a passion for visual storytelling with a deep appreciation for fine arts.
Early in my career, after studying graphic design, advertising, and fine arts, I was drawn to the big screen and the world of compositing, working as a Quantel Paintbox Artist and HAL video compositor—both industry-leading platforms for video compositing. This foundation in creative problem-solving and artistic expression led me to work across various projects, including freelancing at Pinewood Studios in London, where I contributed to high-end TV commercials, focusing on shot replacements, rotoscoping, video retouching, and special effects.
Over the years, I have collaborated with global brands such as Sky, Disney, Foxtel, and Discovery Channel, delivering high-end visual effects and motion graphics. My dedication to the craft has earned me several industry awards, including recognition for visual effects, compositing, and motion design, with accolades from Clio and Promax.
OPTUS
Stranger Things Activation
This immersive visual experience was crafted through a multi-step creative process, where AI serves as a tool to enhance visual storytelling. The process seamlessly integrates AI-generated imagery, compositing, and animation to achieve a compelling final result.
A highly detailed static image was first generated in MidJourney, then refined, branded, and enhanced in Photoshop. Finally, the test scenes were brought to life with animation in Sora, creating a dynamic and cinematic experience.
The creative was used as part of a pitch concept for social media and in-store retail activation.
DISCOVERY CHANNEL
On-air promo for Discovery Channel
A 30-second promo for Alien Month on Discovery Channel, highlighting programs like Alien Encounters in Area 51, UFO Witness, and Close Encounters.
Built entirely in CG, the promo centered on an unexplained light appearing in a cornfield, creating an eerie, cinematic atmosphere. Focused on compositing and visual effects, integrating 3D motion capture, Cinema 4D motion design, and After Effects compositing to achieve a seamless, polished result.
HISTORY CHANNEL
HIROSHIMA – 70TH Anniversary Hiroshima
Marking the 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, this on-air promo for The History Channel used detailed compositing and motion design to reimagine the aftermath with atmospheric effects, ash, and dust.
Shot footage was enhanced with layered compositing and motion design techniques to create a cinematic, emotionally resonant experience. The promo delivered The History Channel’s highest-rated week of 2015 and earned multiple local and international awards.
HISTORY CHANNEL
Time Idents
As part of the History Channel’s refreshed brand identity, new idents were crafted to immerse viewers in pivotal transitions throughout history. A key piece featured a timepiece—3D printed, filmed, and seamlessly composited to showcase the passage of time.
The process involved compositing, keying, grading, and FX to achieve a seamless integration of live-action and CGI elements. Every detail was carefully refined to enhance realism and ensure a smooth transition between historical eras. This refresh was designed to ignite curiosity and transport audiences through time with a modern, cinematic approach.
CRIME + INVESTIGATION
The series explores some of the most notorious crimes Australia has ever seen, told through the eye witness experience of the people who were right at the heart of the tragedies, including the police and the victims’ families.
Through gripping interviews, dramatic reconstructions and archival footage, Crimes That Shook Australia details the events leading up to the crime, the crime itself and its enduring effect on the national consciousness.
As part of season 1 and 2, Foxtel Factual Creative were responsible to produce on-air promotion content and marketing content to promote the series.
Season 1 – On-Air Promotion
Season 1 required a highly visual on-air promo, bringing a familiar scene to life through live-action cinematography and visual effects.
Filmed in the backstreets of Sydney using a high-speed Phantom camera, the footage was carefully directed for VFX integration and live-action composition.
The final sequence was composited in After Effects, blending high-speed cinematography with seamless motion design to enhance the narrative impact.
Season 2 – On-Air Promotion & Key Art
Season 2 required a highly visual on-air promo and key art, seamlessly blending live-action elements with digital compositing.
Background plates were filmed on location in a forest, while the actor was photographed in a controlled studio environment.
The final composition was crafted in Photoshop, integrating both elements to create a striking, cohesive visual.
BBC COAST AUSTRALIA + New ZEALAND
As Head of Design, I led the 3D motion design, visual effects, and compositing for the on-air promo, program titles, and on-screen elements, crafting a visually immersive brand identity for the series.
The promo utilised Cinema 4D for 3D environmental design, After Effects for compositing, and advanced VFX techniques to enhance the storytelling. Key art production involved integrating CG elements with dynamic typography and atmospheric effects, ensuring a seamless and cinematic visual style.
THE PACIFIC WITH SAM NEILL
History Channel – Foxtel Networks Australia
Launch campaign for The History Channel (AU/NZ), featuring art direction, design, layout, and compositing for both print and television promotion.
As Head of Design, I developed the brand identity, on-air design package, program titles, on-screen elements, and key art, while also directing and producing the on-air promo with visual effects integration.
Number 1 program on The History Channel
281K premiere audience – #5 local production launch ever on History
746K unique viewers – reaching 10% of all Foxtel subscribers
