Rainmaker Ent. Inc. has turned Mainframe Ent. into Rainmaker Animation as a result of its acquisition and has named Paul Gertz as evp of the new division.
"Structuring Rainmaker in this new way gives the industry a clear picture of our company's vision going forward," explained ceo Warren Franklin. "With this new division, Rainmaker Animation, along with our other two divisions, Rainmaker Visual Effects and Rainmaker Post -- we will be able to join forces to maximize our clients' creative vision and cost-saving efforts, and still pursue a wide variety of creative and service projects within each division."
"Combining Rainmaker's CG talent and high-end infrastructure with the Mainframe team creates a world leader in the sphere of animation. The work and the reputation of these groups are of the highest caliber and I am really excited to lead them in this integrated form," added Gertz. "I look forward to working closely with Warren and the entire group as we continue to build a company that is dynamically poised to participate in all aspects of animated features and content creation, in addition to continuing the company's leadership in the direct-to-DVD and television markets."
Gertz, a 25-year veteran of the entertainment industry, has worked in a number of executive and creative roles including stints at Lucasfilm, Hanna-Barbera, Turner Feature Animation, Global Digital Creations and the Vancouver Film School. Gertz was the exec producer TITAN, A.E., and produced CAT'S DON'T DANCE and THE PAGEMASTER.
As previously announced, Brian Moylan will serve as md of Rainmaker Visual Effects. Barry Chambers continues as president of Rainmaker Post.
Currently in production at Rainmaker Animation are THE NUTTY PROFESSOR 2, ZIXX and several projects for Mattel. Rainmaker Visual Effects in Vancouver is working on BLADES OF GLORY, VANTAGE POINT, CASE 39, TRICK 'R TREAT and HOT ROD; and in their London facility, BUTTERFLY ON A WHEEL, LA VIE EN ROSE, 1408, VANTAGE POINT and various episodes of HBO's ROME 2. Rainmaker Post continues work on THE L WORD, SMALLVILLE and STARGATE ATLANTIS.
Rainmaker (www.rainmaker.com), headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is an award-winning visual effects, 3D animation and post-production company with a 28-year history of technical excellence and outstanding service in feature films, television, games and commercials. Rainmaker, the largest visual effects and animation company in Canada, has three divisions -- Rainmaker Animation, Rainmaker Visual Effects and Rainmaker Post. Rainmaker also operates a facility in London -- Rainmaker Animation & Visual Effects UK Ltd. (Rainmaker UK) -- which offers cutting edge visual effects and 3D animation in that market. Rainmaker also maintains an office in Los Angeles. California.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
