At Rodeo FX, leadership is a powerful force that drives success and inspires collaboration. But here's where it gets controversial: this studio's leaders believe their role is not about personal glory, but about serving others.
With an impressive portfolio that includes 'Game of Thrones', 'Dune', and 'Stranger Things', Rodeo FX has established itself as a AAA-quality post-production powerhouse. Despite significant growth since 2006, expanding across North America and Europe, the studio has maintained its world-class reputation.
The secret to their success? A dedicated team of executive supervisors who oversee product quality, nurture a strong culture, and facilitate talent development. As executive VFX supervisor Joseph Kasparian ('Andor') puts it, their goal is simple: "Give the artists everything they need to succeed."
This sentiment is echoed by Martin Pelletier, head of the Quebec City office, who emphasizes the ongoing nature of studio care. "It's all about the little things, and making sure issues get fixed quickly," he says.
But it's not just about meeting needs; it's about fostering a genuine sense of community. Ryan Stasyshyn, head of the Toronto office, believes leadership is about ensuring everyone feels respected and valued. "It's easy to say the right things, but following through is harder," he notes.
Ryan's approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and accountability. He encourages open dialogue, believing that there's no single path to a goal in VFX. This perspective is shared by Ara Khanikian, executive VFX supervisor on 'The Rings of Power', who emphasizes the importance of agile and creative problem-solving.
Rodeo FX's diverse offering benefits greatly from consistent dialogue. As Ara puts it, "Each department has its own time and place, and it's always about choosing the right one for the job."
The studio's expansion has been carefully managed to ensure quality and culture thrive. Martin highlights the implementation of remote desktop options, daily reviews, and a private gigabyte connection between offices. The executive supervisors have played a crucial role in keeping operations seamless across locations.
This approach was vital for the successful launch of the Paris office in 2023, headed by Franck Lambertz. Despite being a continent away, the office quickly embraced the Rodeo FX spirit and is now capable of tackling a wide range of projects.
While enabling artists and fostering a strong working culture is primary, Ara and Joseph also emphasize their role in ensuring product quality. They believe in encouraging confidence and accountability, trusting the artists to take ownership of their work.
"Things will look better, and the journey to get those shots right will become a fond memory," Joseph says. Ara agrees, adding that while understanding framing, cameras, and cost-effective technology is valuable, providing meaningful support is paramount.
In the end, Joseph believes their positions at Rodeo FX are meant to serve both the product and the people. "This job is not about you shining; it's about everybody else around you," he concludes.
And this is the part most people miss: leadership at Rodeo FX is an act of service, a philosophy that has driven their success and set them apart.
