Vine FX bags best effects awards – and Laura Usaite becomes managing director
Hot on the heels of Vine FX’s best effects award for its work on War of the Worlds season 3 comes news of the Cambridge studio expanding its leadership team, with Laura Usaite becoming managing director.
Vine FX is a much-respected video effects studio which moved to Cambridge from London in 2016. Currently based in Bateman House in the station area, it has established itself as an innovative and super-efficient studio offering a full range of visual effects services including creature design, digital matte painting, compositing, CG environments, FX, concept art and storyboarding.
Organised by the Royal Television Society’s regional committee, the RTS East Awards 2023 recognises excellence in the television and media industry. Vine FX’s latest win demonstrates the studio’s technical skills and expertise in seamlessly integrating effects into high-end shows.
The award for season 3 of the FOX television series was in the Craft – Post Production category.
The judges were won over by “the ambition and innovation of the project, as well as the beautiful storytelling throughout the show”.
“It’s fantastic to receive the best effects award,” said Vine FX founder Michael Illingworth. “The team has done a great job bringing the unbelievable to life, and it just reflects the dedication and creativity of everyone involved.”
Meanwhile, Vine FX has announced the expansion of its leadership team, with head of production Laura Usaite taking on a new role as managing director, and Michael becoming creative director.
“I’m really honoured to receive this promotion – it’s a big step for me and I wouldn’t be here without Michael’s trust and support,” Laura told the Cambridge Independent, adding: “It’s a system that we already had in place. I was helping Vine at all levels so the transition was easy.”
In addition, Tim Kilgour joins as CG supervisor, with Maxwell Alexander joining as compositing supervisor across key projects.
“There is excitement in the office as we also brought in Tim and Max,”says Laura. “It feels that we have a good solid Cambridge team so managing it is an absolute pleasure.”
The last five years have seen the studio more than double in size, working on high-end productions including The Witcher Season 3, War of the Worlds, and The Lazarus Project: it now boasts a roster of more than 50 staff. Vine FX operates a people-first culture and leadership team.
