LOS ANGELES — VFX studio FuseFX (www.FuseFX.com) received two nominations when The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced those in contention for the 71st Emmy Awards. The studio is nominated for “Outstanding Visual Effects” for its work on The Orville, and for “Outstanding Visual Effects in a Supporting Role” for its work on
Deadwood The Movie.
"It's an honor simply being nominated among so much great work, much less having two nominations for the teams at FuseFX,” says David Altenau, CEO and founder of FuseFX. “To create this level of work requires dedication and hard work day after day, so it's incredibly meaningful to be recognized by the Television Academy. I couldn't be prouder of the entire team at FuseFX that make this possible."
The Orville is an American science fiction comedy-drama television series created by and starring Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. Episode 209, "Identity Part II" was nominated in large part due to a nearly eight-minute epic space battle.
“It’s worth noting that, as the only broadcast network series on the VFX nominations list, The Orville was working with a fraction of the budget of its competitors,” explains Seth MacFarlane. “The fact that this extraordinary team of artists achieved what they did speaks to their massive talent and dedication.”
"To be recognized by the Television Academy is a great honor,” adds Tommy Tran, VFX supervisor at FuseFX.
“But it is a greater honor to be surrounded by unique individuals that come together as a team to create something special. Everyone on this team went above and beyond to deliver that special something to achieve Seth McFarlane's vision. For that, I am truly grateful.”
Deadwood the Movie holds a special place for FuseFX as the three principles originally worked on The Deadwood series. Their work on the series forged a friendship and business partnership that would lead them to create FuseFX. Being the VFX house for Deadwood the Movie was both nostalgic and fitting for all three principles.
"Deadwood was the first episodic production I supervised after working in features through the 1990s,” says Altenau. “At the time, I wasn't quite aware that it would change the trajectory of my career. That production in 2003 laid the foundation for the work and the relationships that would lead to the founding of FuseFX just a few years later. So, to be able to provide the visual effects for the movie 16 years later, and do it through FuseFX was an incredible experience.”
FuseFX VFX supervisor Eric Hayden took over the mantle for Deadwood The Movie. "I knew instantly that this production would be different because of the artists involved and the collaborative nature I had with the directors and producers. I felt welcomed by Greg Fienberg (EP) the minute I stepped onto set. When you’re in an environment that is conducive to that positive collaboration, it inspires you to stay up longer and push yourself harder. I'm really proud of the crew of artists who were able to put together some wonderful work. It's an honor to be nominated."