After seven years with Rhythm & Hues Studios in Los Angeles, Ian Hulbert has joined Toronto-based visual effects and animation studio TOPIX as senior animation director. Hulbert will head the 3D character animation team at the studio, which has created effects and animation for such diverse projects as Atom Egoyan's Oscar-nominated film THE SWEET HEREAFTER, commercials for companies like Coca Cola, Kraft Foods, Chrysler, Budweiser, Discover Card and Post Cereals, and music videos for artist such as David Bowie, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan and Mary J. Blige. Hulbert joined Rhythm & Hues in 1994 as a 3D modeler, and during his tenure at the studio he put his talents to work on a variety of films including HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, BABE: PIG IN THE CITY, CATS AND DOGS, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR and SCOOBY DOO. He also had a hand in the studio's commercial work, including campaigns for Nintendo Game Boy, Xerox and the Coca Cola Polar Bears, and special venue attractions like the motion simulator rides RACE FOR ATLANTIS and STAR TREK: THE EXPERIENCE and the 3D film IT'S TOUGH TO BE A BUG.