Former President of Rainmaker and CIS Vancouver to Lead Globally-Acclaimed Programs at VFS.
From a VFS press release.
May 17, 2011 – Vancouver,BC - Vancouver Film School (VFS), Canada’s premier post-secondary entertainment arts institution and one of the most distinguished in the world, announced today that Marianne O’Reilly is the new Head of the Animation & Visual Effects department.
O’Reilly brings a wealth of knowledge from more than 20 years in the entertainment industry, from creative positions to upper management. Her experience in feature films, television, and major sports organizations will continue to strengthen the international profile and unparalleled educational experience in all three Animation & Visual Effects programs at VFS: 3D Animation & Visual Effects (one year), Classical Animation (one year), and Digital Character Animation (six months). In 2010, VFS was recognized as “School of the Year” by the Computer Graphics Student Awards, and 3D World magazine named the 3D Animation & Visual Effects and Digital Character Animation programs as the best of their kind in the world.
“VFS has an outstanding reputation,” says O’Reilly. “I’m honoured to be a part of this world-class school and am incredibly impressed by the quality of work from VFS graduates. I look forward to contributing my passion for education and creativity and believe that we all have a very bright future ahead full of exciting new opportunities!”
With notable credits and executive oversight in visual effects production on such series and films as Stargate SG-1, The Outer Limits, Dead Like Me, Night at the Museum, Garfield, Blades of Glory, Vantage Point, Tropic Thunder,and Changeling, O’Reilly has a proven track record of success. She started her career at Rainmaker Entertainment as a visual effects producer, which culminated in her promotion to President of the visual effects division in 2007. She then played an instrumental role in the sale of the company’s Vancouver and London facilities to Deluxe Entertainment and the CIS Visual Effects Group in 2008. An active member of the Visual Effects Society, O’Reilly served as a Board member from 2007-2009.
“We are so excited to have Marianne join VFS. Her depth of experience and credits, coupled with her strong industry connections, are an indisputable fit with the future of Animation & Visual Effects at VFS,” says Marty Hasselbach, VFS Managing Director. “As an industry force and proven leader in the global animation and visual effects community, I look forward to having her imprint added to the quality and reputation of our programs going forward.”
About Animation & Visual Effects at Vancouver Film School
Founded in 1987, Vancouver Film Schoolis Canada's premier post-secondary entertainment arts institution and one of the most distinguished in the world. With 13 production-oriented programs and a world-leading one-year education model, VFS prepares students to join the creative economy. The Animation & Visual Effects department at VFS includes three distinct programs: 3D Animation & Visual Effects (one year), Classical Animation (one year), and Digital Character Animation (six months). Graduates of the Animation & Visual Effects programs have a profound effect on the entertainment industry and have played key roles behind the scenes on productions such as Avatar, The Princess and the Frog, and Rango. Visit the school online at http://www.vfs.edu.
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
