Powerhouse VFX, which has turned out work featured on such projects as Silo (Apple TV +)and Stranger Things (Netflix), has expanded into the Vancouver, BC area and hired sr. VFX supervisor Michael Cliett to lead the new operation. Cliett was recently nominated for a visual effects Emmy on the strength of his team’s work on Shōgun. He served as overall VFX supervisor and second unit director on the FX Network’s lauded series.
Powerhouse VFX now has both a Vancouver and Toronto presence, as well as locations in Los Angeles, Atlanta and its flagship in New York.
Prior to his expansive work on Shōgun, Cliett gained industry notoriety for his contributions as VFX supervisor on Warner Bros.’ post-apocalyptic series The 100. Before that, he worked at Method Studios as the company’s VFX supervisor on Guy Ritchie’s action/adventure film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
Ryan Cunningham, SVP, managing director of Powerhouse, said, “Vancouver has such a rich talent base and community. We are excited to bring our boutique culture and provide this offering to our clients.”
Kevin Blank, sr. VFX supervisor/creative director at Powerhouse VFX, said of Cliett, “I’ve been a fan of his many years, and we are all excited to have him join in helping to spearhead our growth.”
Cliett said of his new roost, “I’ve admired their work and I’m looking forward to help build a special team here in Vancouver. The relationship Powerhouse and Company 3 have to their many loyal clients is very impressive. I look forward to developing that kind of reputation for Powerhouse VFX in Vancouver in the years to come.”
Cliett is a member of the Directors Guild of Canada, the Television Academy and the Visual Effects Society (VES).
