Visual effects house Wētā FX today has appointed industry executive Lee Berger as their business development senior producer.
Berger, who brings extensive senior leadership in film and VFX will be based in Los Angeles. He joins from DNEG LA, where he served as executive vice president of business development.
Matt Aitken, Head of VFX at Wētā FX, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Lee to the Wētā FX whānau (family) and have someone of his calibre and experience leading our business development in Los Angeles, partnering with our clients and representing Wētā FX on the ground.” Aitken added, “There are many challenges that lie ahead in the film business, so we’re excited Lee will be part of the Wētā FX team helping the company to navigate and thrive during this dynamic period of change.”
Berger who began his career as a DGA first assistant director, says, “It’s impossible to be in this business and not be aware of what Wētā FX has accomplished in the visual effects and animation world over the last 30 years. I feel extremely lucky to have this upcoming opportunity to work with such a distinguished group of artists, supervisors and producers”.
Prior to DNEG LA, Berger spent 15 years at Rhythm & Hues, where he played a central role in delivering award-winning feature films such as “The Golden Compass” and “Life of Pi.” His VFX work is featured on “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Yogi Bear.”
Wētā FX is known for performance-driven animated creatures and characters such as Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings,” Kong and Caesar from the “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” franchise. The company is also behind universe building, including Middle-Earth and Pandora.
