MUMBAI: Tata Elxsi Ltd. announced the addition of visual effects’ industry veterans Joel Hynek, Tricia Ashford and Treva Blue to their team. The trio will operate the Los Angeles arm of the company’s division Visual Computing Labs (VCL), as part of its strategy to expand its presence in Hollywood. The three will lead VFX production for VCL in the US and work in tandem with VCL’s studio in Mumbai.
VCL’s newly set up studio is designed for US based film and television production companies. Significant economies for clients will be achieved via sharing of work between VCL’s Mumbai and US facilities.
Speaking about VCL’s new studio, Tata Elxsi managing director Madhukar Dev said, "It is yet another milestone for Tata Elxsi and a proud moment for us. The expansion of our presence in the US by setting up a full fledged studio there is a big step in our efforts to become a truly globalized organization. The entertainment industry, be it in India or the US thrives on the quality of creative talent and it is our endeavour to leverage upon the best of both worlds and deliver world class results in VFX and animation."
VCL chief operating officer S. Nagarajan said, "Hollywood has long been envisioned as a key part of our global growth strategy. We are delighted to have added to our family three of visual effects field’s most accomplished professionals. The combined attributes of the trio and our large and talented team in India will help VCL offer the entertainment industry a truly unique package of high-end and cost-effective VFX service options."
VCL creative director Pankaj Khandpur said, "This relationship is a natural part of VCL’s evolution, as we climb up the value chain. Apart from the synergies that all of us will derive, we believe the Indian Film industry will benefit too, with the credibility, experience and exposure that Joel, Tricia and Treva bring to the table. Truly, VCL’s whole will be much greater than the sum of its parts."
Hynek said, "With demand for high-end VFX ever increasing and budget constraints getting ever tighter, VCL is poised to provide an ideal solution. Tata Elxsi is a world-class organization and I am proud to be part of the family".
Ashford said, "This strategy always made sense to me. After my time spent with VCL, at all levels, I am convinced that this is the ideal solution to the industry’s requirements. I am delighted to be part of VCL."
Blue added, "I am thrilled to be part of an exceptional business group like Tata and their expansion plans in the visual effects space in the US."
