VFX Houses in LA

[Nathan D. Lee]

Hello All,

 

I am looking for a few reputable high end VFX houses in LA to work on some TV spots I am doing. The spot will be about $200k (US) total budget.

 

The VFX' will largely be sci-fi oriented, spaceship landing, tele-porting people and objects etc...

 

Right now I am trying to get a few ideas so I can get some meetings set up when I am in LA next week.

 

Thanks for the recs in advance.

 

Nathan

Edited August 11, 2008 by Nathan D. Lee

[Jim Keller]

There are a lot of very good effects houses around, and if you're not picky about how the shots get done (i.e. model vs. cgi vs. physical effect), the field becomes wide open.

 

I have a friend at Rhythm & Hues ( http://www.rhythm.com/ ), which always does excellent work, with an emphasis on CGI and digital compositing, but they're very high end, and so it's hard to get on their schedule unless you can pay rate-card prices.

 

About a decade ago I was prepping a feature which needed all the effects you list, and was planning to use Alterian ( http://www.alterianinc.com/ ), and was pleased with the work they do (mostly physical, which is how I wanted the effects done), and being less well-known they're more likely to cut you a deal.

 

But for basic stuff like that, also don't discount the "little guy." One of the principals of HogoFilm ( http://www.hogofilm.com/ ) is in the office next door to me, and I'm always impressed at the quality effects he brings in for effectively no money.

 

Bottom line, though, sit down with your storyboards, decide what you need, and then talk to lots of people. Your final decision about who to use should be based on who you're communicating well with and who understands your vision.

[Steven Polanski]

You can also try Jim Leng. He worked on Harry Potter and Ghost Rider. Due to his signature style he was called back to do all the HP films. He can be found on 'imdb'.

 

He said a while back thath he might retire from the movie stuff but if he's still listed you'll be in luck.

 

Nice guy too.

 

Steve

[Nathan D. Lee]

Thanks for the info. I have already set up some meetings and will give these places a call/look as well.

 

Nathan

[Ulisses Simionato]

I tried to send you a message, but your mail box is full.

[Hal Smith]

You might read through the archives on CML-Post to get some ideas, both of creative possibilities and who in the LA area is actively engaged in post.

 

CML-Post Archive

[nick lines]

The Mill has an office in LA now too. They do good work.