David Reviews

 "You're not an artist, Peggy. You solve problems." Don Draper.

OKAYSTUDIO EMBRACE RICHARD 'STRETCH' RUSSELL AND FARIS HALLAQ.
14 April 2023

OkayStudio have signed Flame artist Richard 'Stretch' Russell and promoted Faris Hallaq to Junior VFX Artist. The company have lots to say about the pair, so let's cut to the chase with executive producer Josh Sanders.

"Stretch gives us the strength and depth we've been seeking to bolster our visual effects division," Sanders explains. "By nature of the briefs we're now starting to see, it was important we cast the right talent, both creatively and culturally. Stretch is unphased by the challenges we have set him so far and he's hit the ground running."


Faris is a real success story of watching talent rise through the ranks.

 ”

Russell finds time in his already packed schedule to say: “I wasn't looking for a new job when I was first approached about joining OkayStudio, but after meeting Nikolaj and Josh for the first time that rapidly changed. I was very quickly intrigued by the size and spirit of the company. Now I'm here and have worked on a couple of big projects, I am excited about the years to come."

Head of production David Thomas feels the same about Hallaq, who joined as a runner in 2017: "Faris has provided the blueprint for how to grow success by building your skillset from the ground up, being a sponge for knowledge and having the right attitude. With Faris's background, he's developed a deep understanding of our workflow and setup. It's a pleasure to watch hard work pay off."

For more on what OkayStudio can bring to your next project, drop Josh Sanders a line (josh@okaystudio.co.uk) or call 020 7127 0764.

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