Inspired Minority’s visual effects artists have been nominated for their work on Roots for ‘Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode’ in Hollywood.
The Visual Effects Society of America has nominated Simon Hansen, Paul Kalil, Theo le Roux-Preis, Wicus Labuschagne and Max Poolman (for Special Effects) for their work on the locally filmed and produced Roots – Night One, Directed by Phillip Noyce. The TV Series aired internationally and on DSTV’s History channel on 30 March 2016.
The team will be traveling to the award ceremony in Hollywood, Los Angeles to represent the South African film industry among the best in the world: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Black Sails (also locally filmed) and Game of Thrones to name a few will be in attendance.
Inspired Minority produced 350 shots on Roots – Night One for A+E Studios’ History Channel. Close to 50 artists were needed and some of the most challenging work was to create the illusions of being out at see while the shoot really happened in a parking lot in Cape Town.
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Film Incentive has enticed foreign producers to bring their work to our shores. Various studios have already shown interest in the local industry and the rebate scheme as a result of this nomination. Hansen and his Inspired Minority Visual Effects team will be meeting studios and pitching South African VFX in Hollywood when they attend the ceremony on 7 February 2017.
This is the first VES nomination for work done in South Africa and is a vote of confidence by the Hollywood visual effects establishment that South Africa can meet the standards and compete with the rest of the world.
Inspired Minority is currently running a training and orientation programme to help upcoming VFX artists find their feet in the industry. Visit the Inspired Minority website for more information.
