As Cinesite Group Chief Operating Officer for visual effects, Shawn’s expertise oversees the visual effects division across Cinesite’s worldwide studios including Image Engine in Vancouver, Trixter in Munich and two Cinesite locations in Montreal and London. He drives all facets of visual effects production, fostering client relations and spearheading business development. He is also the General Manager of Image Engine, which became part of the Cinesite Group in 2015.
Shawn’s extensive journey in the visual effects and animation industry commenced in 1996. He began as a character animator after graduating with an honours double major in Visual Art and Art History from the University of British Columbia and a diploma from the Vancouver Film School’s 3D Animation and Visual Effects program. Over the years, his career path led him through roles as a television animation supervisor and digital effects supervisor, to film roles as senior lighting technical director and compositor at studios like Mainframe Entertainment, Rhythm and Hues, The Moving Picture Company and ESC Entertainment.
In 2005, Shawn marked the beginning of his tenure with Image Engine, where he soon became the studio’s Visual Effects Executive Producer. Under his leadership, Image Engine accumulated an impressive list of credits, including work on Game of Thrones (VES Award 2018, Emmy Award 2019), The Mandalorian, Fantastic Beasts, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Lost in Space (VES Award 2019), Mulan, Jurassic World, Thor: Ragnarok, The Book of Boba Fett (Emmy Award 2022), Power Rangers, Logan and numerous other notable projects. Among his most memorable projects are Neill Blomkamp’s films District 9 (VES Award 2010), Elysium and Chappie.
Beyond his contributions to project success, Shawn plays an instrumental role in leading new business opportunities in feature films and streaming content, as well as developing new production methodologies. His impressive track record includes securing projects from an array of clients, including Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Walt Disney Pictures, Lucasfilm, Marvel Entertainment, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Studios, Lionsgate Entertainment, and MRC Studios.
Outside of work, Shawn is an avid cyclist and skier, finding inspiration and adventure in the great outdoors. Previously, he has contributed to the industry as a member of the DigiBC Board of Directors, as a mentor at Vancouver Film School and as a member of the Steering Committee for the Animation & Visual Effects Alliance of BC. Shawn’s dedication and passion continue to make a lasting impact in both his professional and personal pursuits.