Career path

After I completed my dual degree in Engineering and Fine Art, I joined Walt Disney Animation Studios, a place where I could use both the creative and technical sides of my brain to bring stories to life.

My career then led me to work on films at companies like Sony Imageworks and Weta Digital. I eventually landed a role as a Lead Effects Technical Director at Framestore in London, managing a team of effects artists. The effects department is responsible for the things in a film that are simulated - like fire, water and magic. Even when unreal things are happening, our goal is to make the behaviour of these elements look believable.

Using creativity, technical skills and attention to detail, I bring effects to life on the screen. Over the course of my career, I have put my skills to work on films including my childhood Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar. Now I live and work in New Zealand, sharing my creativity and researching the world of visual effects. 

What inspired you to work with visual effects? 

I loved drawing and making up stories as a child, and I also loved maths. I grew up creating my own films and storylines with my sisters, using our toys as a characters, and creating effects with everyday objects around the house, like pouring water to create a "waterfall." As I got older however, the idea of working in film seemed less and less likely until I realised I could combine my skills in maths, and my interest in storytelling by going into engineering, computer science and art.