Visual effects houseDNEGhas hired Emmy-nominated producers Ron Ames and Jesse Kobayashi as in-house filmmakers.
Most recently, Ames and Kobayashi delivered over 9,000 visual effects shots for Amazon Prime’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”
In their new roles at DNEG, the pair will draw on over 50 years of combined industry experience to provide filmmaking, production, and technical expertise and advice, working directly with DNEG’s in-house teams to improve and advance its service offerings. Additionally, the pair will collaborate with DNEG’s filmmaking partners to help navigate the digital production process, recommending technology approaches and providing creative solutions to filmmaking challenges.
In a statement to PvNew, Ames said, “After a career of on-set filmmaking, it is really exciting to join Namit and DNEG as independent filmmakers advocating for the wise use of technology in creating film art. The idea that Namit has asked us to come in-house as filmmakers on the vendor side is an innovative and exciting proposition.
Kobayashi added, “Having worked in both Hollywood and the Video game industry, DNEG represents a truly unique career opportunity in combining all aspects of modern storytelling, using innovative approaches in Artificial Intelligence and technology to strengthen the creative process. We think it’s a unique opportunity to work between creatives who are interested in exploring new film techniques.”
DNEG CEO Namit Malhotra was delighted by the deal. He said, “I have always been impressed with the experience, ideas, and clarity of purpose that Ron and Jesse bring to the huge-scale productions that they have managed in the past. From streamlining operations through the deployment of new technologies to fostering seamless inter-departmental collaboration and promoting a healthy work-life balance for their crews, they have always ensured timely and budget-conscious delivery of their work.”
He continued, “In their new roles at DNEG, they will bring the benefits of this experience and knowledge to our in-house teams and will work closely with our clients to unlock new efficiencies and new technologies in the digital production process as we considerably ramp up our operations following the industry-wide disruption in 2023.”
With decades of experience behind them, the duo hopes to leverage cloud-based production and rethink the conventions of contemporary production.
