Venice, California-based Blur Studio has added four artists to its creative staff -- character animator Noel McGinn, visual effects designer and 3D animator Ed Lee, animator Paul Taylor and animator Asier Hernaez. Previously, McGinn served as a character animator for Pacific Data Images. He has worked on ANTZ and the upcoming SHREK. "I wanted to join a company where I would have an opportunity to be involved in all facets of computer animation and work on a variety of projects," said McGinn. "I wanted to work in a small company, so I looked up animation companies and I was blown away by Blur's Website. When I met them, I thought they were very straightforward and honest, and I really liked that." Lee has been freelancing for the past two years, primarily at Sony Pictures Family Entertainment, after a five year stint at Rhythm & Hues. His credits at Sony include the animated television series BIG GUY AND RUSTY THE BOY ROBOT, HEAVY GEAR and MAX STEEL. Lee has worked on special effects for THE GREEN MILE, MOUSE HUNT, SPAWN and BATMAN AND ROBIN. Lee said, "At Blur, I will be able to apply my skills as both a designer and 3D animator, and that is a rare opportunity. There aren't any creative restrictions here." As a 10-year animation veteran, Taylor has credits primarily in interactive games. He founded Spankhole Productions in 1998 and its credits include the action/strategy game WHEEL OF TIME. Previously, he was a partner in BigWig Productions, which produced animation both for games and corporate clients like Canon and Kodak. Most recently, Hernaez served as a 3D animator in the Phoenix office of Phantagram Entertainment, developer of the games KINGDOM UNDER FIRE, BLADE WARRIOR and SHINING LORE.