Rising Sun Pictures’ (RSP) VFX Supervisor Julian Hutchens and RSP’s VFX Producer Ian Cope, Andrew Whitehurst, Kathy Siegel and Alistair Williams, today won the 2024 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award for Best Visual Effects or Animation for its work on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
This is Julian's third AACTA award, he was the recipient of this award in 2020 for The Eight Hundred and in 2022 for Elvis. Julian was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his work on The Boys.
“It is truly an honour that the AACTA membership has chosen to recognise the outstanding work of our team for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Congratulations to our entire team for this is well- deserved recognition," says RSP’s VFX Supervisor Julian Hutchens.
RSP President Jennie Zeiher expressed, "our very talented team of artists, production, technical specialists, and support staff all played a significant role in contributing to this project, resulting in the incredible outcome we've achieved. It's a great privilege to see their creativity and efforts recognised by their peers in the Australian film community. We extend our gratitude to Lucasfilm, Director James Mangold, VFX Supervisor Andrew Whitehurst, and VFX Producer Kathy Siegel for entrusting RSP with their extraordinary vision”.
Rising Sun Pictures delivered more than 300 visual effects shots for the film. For an iconic chase scene featuring Indiana Jones riding a horse through the Apollo 11 tickertape parade and down into the subway system, RSP digitally recreated mid-town Manhattan as it was in 1969 with thousands of cheering spectators and tickertape raining down from windows and rooftops. Other work included creating a CG Replica train and horse and recreated the historic Pan American terminal at JFK Airport.
“As a company we take pride in the work we do. Our work on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a testament to the talent of the Rising Sun Pictures team, and their ability to deliver an exceptional experience for clients and moviegoers worldwide.”
Rising Sun Pictures was also nominated for an AACTA Award for RSP’s work on Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, from Marvel Studios and directed by Peyton Reed. The team, led by VFX Supervisor Jamie Macdougall and VFX Producer Rachel Copp, produced more than 270 visual effects shots for the film, including augmenting—and later destroying—the Celestium, a massive, time and space traveling fortress belonging to the film’s supervillain, Kang the Conqueror. RSP was also tasked with visualising “The Mandala,” a luminous, three-dimensional map that allows Kang to observe different layers of the multiverse, and with crafting an interdimensional portal that acts as a gateway between points in space-time.
About Rising Sun Pictures
Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) stands as a trusted creative partner, distinguished for its role as both a technological and creative problem solver, and renowned for its innovative approach to visual effects. With a history spanning almost three decades, RSP has consistently delivered world-class images, having contributed to over 200 tent pole films and streaming series projects.
With a team of over 350 exceptionally talented artists, RSP is backed by a robust leadership team that empowers and propels the staff and the business to success. Collaborating closely with clients, RSP's creative and highly experienced supervisors lead their team to deliver the filmmakers' visions. Possessing both the human and technical resources, RSP tackles complex, large-scale projects while upholding the artistry, craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail that are the hallmarks of RSP.
In addition, RSP is dedicated to developing the next generation of visual effects artists through its unique accredited training program, delivered in partnership with the University of South Australia.
Recent work includes The Marvels, Loki (Season 2), Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, One Piece, Ashoka, Elvis, The Flash, Thor: Love & Thunder, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Cowboy Bebop, Hawkeye, Jungle Cruise, Black Widow, Candyman and Mortal Kombat. RSP is a Pitch Black company.
