Award-winning visual effects supervisor Jeffrey A. Okun has joined the advisory board of Gnomon School of Visual Effects. He will help guide development, curriculum and direction for the school.
"I look forward to helping to further the goals of the Gnomon School which are aligned with my own personal goal of furthering the artistry and science of visual effects through education and mentoring," Okun explained. "To be involved with such a dedicated, talented and single-minded group of professionals and educators is quite an honor that I relish as they continue to define and execute the curriculum that will enable these students to lead our industry into the future."
"We are so excited that Jeff has consented to join our Board," added Pam Hogarth, Gnomon director of Industry Relations. "His experience and knowledge will be a great asset, but his enthusiasm and commitment to education may be his greatest gift to Gnomon."
On THE LAST SAMURAI, Okun was charged with creating invisible effects for the film that won the Visual Effects Society award for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Motion Picture. Okun is known for creating organic and invisible effects, as well as spectacular tent-pole visual effects that blend seamlessly into the storytelling. "I feel that my job is not to showcase what can be done with the technology but to serve the story above all else."
He has also worked on STARGATE, SPHERE, RED PLANET, DEEP BLUE SEA", LOLITA, CUTTHROAT ISLAND, DEATH TO SMOOCHY, THE CROW: CITY OF ANGELS, DIE HARD 2: DIE HARDER, SLEEPWALKERS, THE LAST STARFIGHTER, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III, SUBURBAN COMMANDO, TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME and Wes Craven's SHOCKER.
His credits also include music videos from such varied artists as Sting, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Janet Jackson, Wayne Newton, Bryan Adams, Amy Grant, Dolly Parton, Prince, Michael Jackson, the Neville Brothers and Rod Stewart.
Okun also serves as the chair of the Visual Effects Society Awards committee, having spear-headed the creation of the First Annual VES Awards. He is a respected member of Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Academy of Television Arts and Science, BAFTA and the VES.
Gnomon School of Visual Effects (www.gnomon3d.com) is a professional institute specializing in training for visual effects for film, television and games. Located in the heart of Hollywood, they offer a full curriculum for individuals wanting careers in 3D, professionals in need of specialized training and custom training for production studios. Founded by Alex Alvarez in 1997, Gnomon is located at 1015 North Cahuenga Blvd., Suite 5430i, Hollywood, California, 90038.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
