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.
Thomas, Tara and Damien are set to 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.
Thomas Schelesny – Visual effects supervisor
Thomas Schelesny is an Emmy-winning visual effects supervisor with more than two decades’ experience. Schelesny spent 14 years studying under visual effects luminary Phil Tippett at Tippett Studio, ultimately taking on the role of visual effects supervisor. Phil has also delivered work on projects such as Super 8 and Game of Thrones, and worked on Pan during his time at Scanline VFX.
Tara Conley – Visual effects producer
Tara Conley is an accomplished producer with experience on a number of high-profile features, including Game of Thrones, The Twilight Saga and Pacific Rim. Tara started her career at Rainmaker Entertainment in 2003. She has since worked at studios such as Zoic Studios and Rodeo FX, producing a diverse slate of projects.
Damien Thaller – Digital environment supervisor
Damien Thaller is an experienced digital environment supervisor with 20 years’ experience. Thaller has worked with a number of well-established studios, including Fuel VFX, Animal Logic and Industrial Light & Magic. During this time he contributed to 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.
Image Engine, visual effects supervisor, Thomas Schelesny comments: “I’m thrilled to join the Image Engine team. 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.”
Image Engine, visual effects executive producer and general manager, Shawn Walsh said: “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. Thomas, Tara and Damien are some of the industry’s most talented people – their skill set 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.