Former Digital Domain VFX and Compositing Supervisor oversaw work for spots for brands including Nike, Lexus, Cadillac, Nissan, Kia, ‘Assassin’s Creed’ and the ‘Destiny’ franchise.
CULVER CITY, CA -- VFX and design company Blur Studio has announced the hire of Dan Akers as Visual Effects Supervisor. With nearly 15 years of experience in the VFX industry, Akers’ recent photo-real work for online shooter Destiny and Kia Motors was recognized with 2015 VES Award nominations, with his efforts for Destiny also taking home Best Visual Effects honors at AICP 2015.
“Dan has a great track record of handling both the creative and technical aspects involved in creating beautiful imagery. He is a key hire for Blur as we extend our reach deeper into the live-action VFX world and beyond. He’ll help us push the studio forward as we explore new ways to tell stories,” shared Tim Miller, Blur Co-founder and Deadpool Director. “We’re really excited about him join the team.”
Akers stated, “I’ve always admired the work coming out of Blur and I believe in the company’s vision for the future. I can’t wait to work with a team that’s made world class work and continues to innovate.”
Akers comes to Blur from Digital Domain, where he most recently served as VFX and Compositing Supervisor, largely for commercial projects, overseeing the Nike spot “HyperAdapt 1.0 self-lacing shoe,” as well as spots for UFC, Lexus, Cadillac, Nissan, Kia, Assassin’s Creed, and the Destiny franchise. Akers’ recent VFX work has included films, from David Fincher’s Gone Girl” to this summer’s controversial Eye in the Sky. Throughout his career, Akers has lent his talents to the Star Trek franchise, the Transformers franchise, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Tron: Legacy and Oblivion. He’s also been part of Oscar-winning/nominated teams for Best VFX on projects including The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Real Steel, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Transformers and Star Trek. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design.
The addition of Akers to Blur underscores the studio’s momentum in the commercial and VFX worlds, having recently completed end-to-end services, including compositing, color and finishing, on live-action projects for GMC and upcoming first-person shooter DOOM.
In addition to hiring Akers, Blur has brought on Director of Photography Ken Seng as a visual consultant. Seng is a seasoned shooter with film credits on Deadpool and Project X, and award-winning commercials for clients such as American Express, Coke, Samsung, Gatorade, Audi and others. Seng will provide creative consultation for Blur projects, leveraging his live-action experience to enhance Blur’s CG and animation work.
Source: Blur Studio
