Joint, a creative post production company, has hired Nirad “Bugs” Russell as an executive producer.

Russell is relocating to Portland from New York City where he most recently freelanced as a senior VFX producer at The Mill.

Originally from South Africa, Russell first fell in love with VFX and postproduction during a stint at The Mill London beginning in 2002. Since that time, he’s done work at Absolute Post in London and New York; and later, worked as an executive producer in the New York office of Mass Market until 2015.

In that time, Russell has worked with a number of notable directors on lauded campaigns such as the AT&T “It Can Wait” PSA campaign, “Close to Home,” directed by Frederic Planchon and the Hennessy spot, “The Piccards,” directed by Daniel Wolfe, both of which were shortlisted for best VFX honors in multiple shows. Other noteworthy VFX campaigns produced by Russell include PlayStation’s “Skyrim” and Adidas’ “Never Finish.”

Patty Brebner, director of Joint and W+K Studios, said of Russell, “His passion for creative storytelling and pedigree collaborating with the best VFX artists and directors in the industry made him an obvious choice to lead this team and grow our capabilities.”

Russell will oversee a team of visual effects supervisors and artists (including CG and animation) and color talent.