Rising Sun Pictures, Brisbane, has appointed Egan Wesener as a teaching, learning and development associate. He will work closely with Anna Hodge, manager of education and training, to oversee the Brisbane studio’s visual effects training program, which recently expanded to Queensland.
Wesener job is to help students navigate the program, forge relationships with local schools and universities, and build bridges with other studios where RSP graduates may eventually find jobs.
“Because I’m a Brisbane local, I’m very aware of the educational landscape and the local industry,” he says. “My focus is on developing pathways to help students be successful in our program and in their future careers as artists.”
Since beginning his career in 2015, Wesener has spent time at a half dozen VFX houses in Brisbane, served in every role in the VFX pipeline from compositor to CG supervisor, and tackled projects ranging from animated kids shows to TV adverts.
“I’ve been fortunate to do work I love, and do it in my hometown,” he says. “Many people have to travel far from home to gain the experience I’ve had right here in Brisbane. When I told my dad I was going to study animation, he said, in classic dad fashion, ‘What kind of job are you going to get? How are you going to pay the bills?’ And rightfully so. At the time, there were very limited employment opportunities here. But I was lucky. I earned good recommendations from my lecturers, developed a decent reputation, found interesting projects, and always managed to pay the bills.”
RSP is dedicated to developing the next generation of visual effects artists through its unique accredited training program, delivered in partnership with the University of South Australia. Recent work includes Elvis, Thor: Love & Thunder, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Cowboy Bebop, Hawkeye, Jungle Cruise, Black Widow, Candyman and Mortal Kombat.
Rising Sun Pictures is a member of The Fuse Group.
Rising Sun Pictures rsp.com.au
Fuse Group www.fusefx.com