Ferrand, Bainum Form Hatch
By Catherine Feeny
VFXPRO.COM

November 08, 2001 12:13 PM PST

Deak Ferrand, award-winning visual effects designer and digital artist, has left R!OT to launch an independent studio called Hatch with long-time visual effects producing partner, Cheryl Bainum. Ferrand and Bainum began working together at Buzz F/X, and later moved to POP, which then merged with R!OT. Hatch will specialize in designing and creating 3D matte paintings that give cameras near-complete freedom of movement.

Ferrand, whose feature film credits as a visual effects designer and matte painter include "Titus Andronicus," "Mystery Men," "What Dreams May Come" and "X-Men," is well known for digitally re-creating existing locations and scenes and designing futuristic, imaginative environments. "Digital matte paintings have taken on a wider scope -- they're replacing location shoots and introducing larger camera movements," said Bainum, who has produced for Ferrand since 1995. "Hatch plans to realize the potential of digital mattes and leverage Deak's expertise in the field." Hatch employs Softimage, After Effects and Photoshop software.

Hatch, which also specializes in concept design, is currently contracted through December. Ferrand has been sub-contracted by Riot! to continue collaborating with visual effects producer Juliette Yager and director Chuck Russell on approximately twenty shots for Universal's "The Scorpion King." Ferrand continues to work as a visual effects designer/supervisor and matte painter on "Blade 2," and he also contributed matte paintings to "Lord of the Rings." Other recent projects include "The One" and "Pluto Nash."