SimonWilkinson
Managing Director & Founder
With 33 years experience of the film and television industries, Simon Wilkinson has worked across creative VFX, operations, sales and management, specialising in VFX and all aspects of digital workflows: from front-end through post-production to delivery. He has been directly involved in setting up and also expanding several facilities in the film and drama markets and spent 11 years as MD at Technicolor, co-founding the digital operations before going on to establish their DI, DC and broadcast drama departments as well as directing their relocation to Lexington Street, Soho and also Pinewood Studios. Simon departed Technicolor to set up an independently owned VFX Studio focused on its clients, creatives & quality. This is The Flying Colour Company.
Simon has a hands-on and creative approach and has worked with many studios and independent filmmakers as well as broadcast drama production companies.
DominicThomson
Creative Director & Founder
With a background in operations Dominic Thomson rose quickly through the creative ranks to become a highly successful Henry artist before moving on to Flame and Smoke and working at several of London’s largest commercial and VFX facilities. He joined Technicolor in 2005 where he was a senior creative as well as head of editing and soon became known as one of London’s top Flame artists for TV and film. Using his 20+ years of experience, Dominic is capable of leading teams, providing excellent on-set VFX supervision and collaborating closely with camera departments, production designer and SFX teams. On leaving Technicolor, Dominic immediately joined Simon in Co-finding The Flying Colour Company. He brings a wealth of creative and technical prowess to the projects he works on.
LeonieSteeger-Byerly
Head of Production
After completing her Master’s Degree in Producing and International Film Business at The London Film School, Leonie joined the world of independent film, working in various roles from pre-production through to post-production. While living in four different countries, she contributed to a variety of successful international projects alongside established directors, supervisors and producers. Being all about innovation, Leonie is constantly looking to improve workflows creatively when developing projects together with her teams. Before joining TFCC in August 2019, she worked with the post-production team at Framestore, gaining credits on Paddington 2, Mowgli, Detective Pikachu and Spider-Man – Far From Home. Her film obsession doesn’t stop there, as she is a proud member of a monthly film club, dedicated to discussing all the latest releases as well as old favourites.
SarahBolton
Finance Controller
Sarah Bolton has 15 years of experience in financial services, specifically Capital Markets, working in both London and New York. Starting as an assistant management accountant within an interdealer broker, she then moved to New York to join Cantor Fitzgerald. After spending almost three years there in her role as VP Management Accounting she was promoted and returned to the UK. In London, she established the FPA function for Cantor Fitzgerald Europe which she headed up for four years. She excelled in this position, taking on responsibility for the budgeting and reporting functions for CF in EMEA. After starting a family and taking a career break, Sarah brought her skills to the media industry, initially freelancing in film production. Sarah Joined The Flying Colour Company In January 2017.
AndyHoward
Chief Engineer
With more than 32 years experience in the media industry, Andy Howard is a highly skilled electronic and systems engineer. Starting his career at Sony Broadcast, he moved on to become chief engineer at Soho 601 and later took on the same role for the entire Soho Group, overseeing Soho Images as well as 601 and 601FX. After 10 years, Andy left to become chief engineer at Framestore where he masterminded all engineering, systems and digital architecture for the Oscar-winning firm. In his 15 years at Framestore he oversaw workflows for films like Gravity and a number of Harry Potter Films. At The Flying Colour Company, Andy is largely responsible for our digital architecture, keeping the Flames, storage and digital security at the cutting edge.
AndreaPirisi
Senior Data and Editorial Manager
Andrea grew up in his dad’s designer studio, between all shades of pencils and aero graphics paints. His interests shifted to technology immediately after playing Pong.
He often took very artistic roles as well as extremely technical ones, since he believes creativity is in both. While he was enjoying them he learned the two faces of post production inside and out. The Career as an Editor happened to him more than it being a choice, when he realised that he was already working in film/tv while he heard his friends talk about the latest movies at the dinner table.
He shares the joy of winning BAFTA, Oscar and VES awards with many great artists, supervisors and engineers.
MichelineMacavoy
VFX Producer
After undertaking various runner roles within the industry, Micheline went on to study Film Production at The University of Portsmouth where she graduated with First Class Honours. She later joined us in 2021 as a production assistant before quickly transferring her skills into the role of VFX Coordinator. Working in a role befitting for a lover of film and television has been very rewarding as she has incorporated her strengths for organisation and interpersonal relations into high end production here at TFCC. When not liaising with clients and artists, Micheline enjoys attending every festival under the sun and weekly dance classes.
PollyCartwright
Junior VFX Coordinator
Before joining TFCC, Polly worked on various short and feature films working up from a Runner to a Production Coordinator. Shortly after she undertook a BFI led course, ‘Step Up to VFX Production Coordinator’ which opened her eyes to the incredible world of VFX. Polly has a passion for a wide genre of films, comedy, and performing. In her spare time, you will likely find Polly giggling at a stand-up comedy gig or exploring the wonders of the UK, after having lived abroad for the past few years!
PeteNewman
Junior 3D Coordinator
Pete came to us in October 2022, having impressed while working as a freelance runner. He had done so for a year in both on-set and post production, following his education wherein he was top of his cohort in his film and tv production class. He loves all things media and always aspired towards cultivating this passion into a profession. When he’s not helping everyone around the office, you can find Pete working his social media magic and aiming for TikTok stardom.
ValeriiaKunina
Production Assistant
Whilst studying Practical Filmmaking (BA) at Central Film School, Valeriia realised that she highly enjoys the organisational part of the production process. She then went on to manage multiple projects both inside and outside of school.
Valeriia also has experience working on a production side for multiple Youtube shows, Short Films, Podcasts and Film Events.
One of her recent jobs was to work as a freelance Line producer for Fashion Editorials. She had the chance to organise shoots for such clients as Numéro Berlin Magazine (Prada Special print issue) and Dazed Magazine (Summer issue). Additionally, Valeriia helped to produce and manage shoots for the cover of a new magazine (XYZ), 10MEN Magazine and Collectible Dry Magazine.
In her spare time Valeriia really enjoys doing architectural photography and learning more about Interior Design.
Lucy CiaraMcCutcheon
Junior VFX Editor
Lucy’s love affair with film began at a young age when she would sit entranced watching pirates, dragons, witches and wizards. Her passion only increased as she grew older and whenever anyone asked what she would like to do when she grew up the answer was always the same – make films.
After completing her university degree in Film and TV Productions; her desire to learn new skills shone through and she quickly progressed as an editor and colourist. Following a successful few years working as an Editor for a Documentary Production Company Lucy joined TFCC in 2023 as a Junior VFX Editor and Data Assistant where she’s excited to continue her journey in post production learning more new skills along the way.
When she’s not expanding her post production knowledge she can be found cheering on her favourite rugby and football teams or entering pub quizzes.
Pontus Rundqvist
Junior VFX Editor
A few years after moving to London, Pontus decided to pursue a career in post-production, where he was able to combine his creativity with an interest in the technical aspects of the film industry. Since then he has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Outside of work, you can find him playing his music in venues around London.
SavneetNagi
VFX Supervisor
Starting his career in the TV & Film industry in 2005, Savneet has gained a wide range of visual effects experience across TV commercials, music promos, broadcast and film. Having worked at Framestore and freelanced at many of London’s top post-production houses, he has worked alongside many established directors and agencies, creating high-end visual effects using Autodesk Flame. In addition to his VFX shoot supervision experience, he has worked on several feature films including Harry Brown, Four Lions, Submarine and Casino Royale. He has also supervised and completed shots on The English Game, Killing Eve, Tin Star, A Very English Scandal, Fate and Peaky Blinders.
Ben Beaumont
Flame Artist
Having started his career as a runner in 1998, Ben’s steady rise through the murky layers of post-production saw him arrive at The Flying Colour Company in the summer of 2019. Having spent most of his formative years working with demanding advertising creatives, Ben is acutely aware of client expectations, deadlines and meticulous attention to detail. Having trained as a Flame artist at Rushes, he continued his career as a freelancer working at many of London’s top post-production companies, including Smoke & Mirrors, Gramercy Park Studios, Unit, Nice Biscuits and The Mill. His wealth of experience, artistic flair and charming personality make him a very welcome addition to our VFX team.
CliveDe Souza
Flame Artist
With over 17 years of broadcast experience, Clive established himself in offline before discovering a passion for VFX. In 2011 he swapped the Avid for Smoke and Flame and this year completes his eleventh year of working on promos and commercials, for leading brands like Google, BA, Mercedes, Gillette, Apple and Coca-Cola. Starting his career at Oasis Television, Clive has gone on to work at Jungle, Smoke and Mirrors London and Amsterdam as well as attend on set VFX supervision. As a freelancer he has worked with top agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett and Grey.
With a lifelong love for Film and TV, working at TFCC has allowed Clive to bring his VFX and composting skills to award-winning dramas like Peaky Blinders, Killing Eve and Tin Star.
LawrenceGumm
Flame Artist
Whilst it’s not easy being green, Lawrence has established himself in the industry with over 14 years of experience. Before joining TFCC in March 2022, Lawrence worked at ENVY, Filament Post and Gramercy Park Studios.
Starting out as a technical operator before specialising in Flame, Lawrence has a breadth of experience in VFX working initially in the world of advertising. He has worked on commercials for leading brands including Heinz, British Gas, Nespresso and GSK.
So far at TFCC, Lawrence has brought his VFX and composting skills to upcoming releases for Amazon, BBC and Netflix.
SteveBoden
Senior Nuke Artist
Steve loved film for as long as he can remember, if Steve had to put it down to one moment, it’s probably watching the bonus disc for Jurassic Park when he was a kid and finding out the dinosaurs weren’t real but created on computers and thinking that’s what he wants to do!
Steve made lots of embarrassing films with his friends through school and college and taught himself how to do cheesy effects to create things that you couldn’t in real life.
All that has led to where he is now. Steve started his VFX career doing motion graphics and a short stint in editorial but has now been a compositor for around 6 years and has been fortunate enough to work for the likes of Framestore, MPC and ILM (who were the very people who created the Jurassic Park T-rex!). Steve loves the challenge of working on all kinds of different shots, there’s so much variety and always something new to work on and learn!
Aside from work, Steve enjoys tinkering on cars and motorbikes. It’s a completely different hobby but satisfies that urge of getting his hands dirty!
HenryHall
Junior VFX Artist
Henry first discovered his love for film and visual effects when he saw Lord of The Rings growing up and became interested in how Gollum was made and composited into the film. Since then Henry has always been determined to work in the industry.
He studied at De Montfort University from 2019-2022 doing a VFX course. Since university, Henry has helped on a short film and a few commercials as a VFX artist.
He also loves watching football and rugby, and supports Liverpool and Leicester Tigers.
ShuangLyu
Junior VFX Artist
Shuang moved from China to complete her Master’s degree at the London College of Communication at UAL, specialising in Visual Effects.
Shuang uses Nuke to do compositing, although she also finds herself enjoying exploring 3D environments with Maya and Substance Painter. She always loves exploring new software and new things.
Shuang is excited to expand her knowledge and grow in all aspects of her journey at TFCC.
CenayOekmen
Head of 3D / Supervisor
Since 1993, Cenay Oekmen has worked in the entertainment industry. With 30 years of expertise, he possesses a broad spectrum of skill sets, including complex VFX effect work and concept work, which has helped him and his teams win three Oscars for best feature film over the years. His iconic works include Inception, The Jungle Book, The Golden Compass, Alien, Ghostbusters, Troy, Harry Potter, and many other big blockbuster movies. He has been a professional in education for the last six years, educating the next generation of artists at Escape Studios.
From Carl-Severing-Kollegschule, where he received his education, Cenay earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree with a focus in Graphic Design.
AleksandarJovanovic
Senior 3D Artist
Over the past 15 years in VFX Aleks has worked as a lead Environment, Texturing and Lighting Artist, working in a leading role at MPC before joining our growing 3D dream team in October 2022. He has a strong generalist background and developed a keen eye for the aesthetic details, while solving the many technical challenges a project can face. His key skills involve modeling, texturing, lighting, matte painting, compositing and concept art.
YuriyEliyashevskyy
Junior 3D Artist
Yuriy moved to London from Ireland to pursue a career in VFX, spending 2 years at Escape Studios before taking freelance work and finally coming to TFCC in October 2022. As a 3D generalist, Yuriy does everything from tracking in 3DE to modelling, texturing, lookdev, and final renders – though his greatest ability lies in assets (modelling and texturing). When he’s not brushing up on his CG skills (both in the office and for personal projects) you can catch Yuriy drawing, at the cinema or snowboarding.
JoãoMartins
Junior 3D artist
João joined TFCC as a Junior 3D Generalist in August 2022. A recent graduate from the University of Portsmouth in Computer Animation and Visual Effects, he has skills in modelling, rigging, lighting and texturing.
As his final year project João worked in partnership with the University of Mid Sweden to be involved in 3D environments for a learning game called The Horn of Odin.
SamHaydon
Trainee VFX Artist
A member of our 2023 Post Graduate scheme, Sam studied at UAL Chelsea College of the Arts. With a background in Graphic Design, he is busy learning the skills to become a Flame Artist. Sam is eager to use this opportunity to become a specialist in an exciting work environment while being surrounded by industry leading artists.
PatNitayachai
Trainee VFX Artist
Pat moved to London from Bangkok to pursue a career in the VFX industry, and is currently aiming to become a better VFX artist and person. Pat joined TFCC through our 2023 Post Graduate scheme, and is excited to learn about and work with the amazing artists here. A graduate of the London College of Communications in BA Animation (specialising in VFX), Pat uses Nuke and is now learning Flame. Outside of work, Pat likes to draw, build nano blocks and consume an unhealthy amount of popular media.
LouisGaffney
Junior 3D Generalist
Louis, an ambitious CG Generalist, recently completed his studies in “The Art of Visual Effects” at Escape Studios. He graduated from the BRIT school and spent two years honing his skills in the cinematography and lighting industry, acquiring valuable technical knowledge and production experience. During this time, he successfully balanced his freelance work as a Junior FX TD and Junior CG Generalist while pursuing his degree.
Nick Knatchbull
Freelance Houdini Artist
Nick started his 3D career about 15 years ago making his own music videos and various videos for his friends. This was mixed with music production (which he has done for 25 years) and landscape gardening!
Having always had a deep love of film and VFX and wanting to level up, he enrolled at Escape and passed with flying colours. Realising Houdini was what he wanted to specialize in he dove into learning more and more over the next few years and has now joined us here at The Flying Colour Company.
FreddieCox
Trainee Data/Editorial Assistant
A second year University student, Freddie is spending some time with us to acquire the skills required to train up for our Data and Editorial department. A self-confessed nerd, Freddie harbours a massive love for cinema and is constantly seeking to expand his knowledge of VFX. TFCC is more than happy to help Freddie develop these passions!
Gimli
Regular Office Visitor
A larger than life, fun loving pup who wants nothing more than a good cuddle and a comfortable lap to sleep on. I love coming to work with my dad because I get to see some of my favourite people! When I’m not running amok at the Flying Colour Company, you can find me running around in my local park or taking a nap in my (pawrents’) bed. If we run in to each other, please give me a tummy tickle and a little treat!