LOS ANGELES - Boutique visual effects and design studio Shape+Light has rebranded as Shepherd (https://shepherdvfx.com) while also expanding to the East Coast with a new outpost in New York City. In addition, the studio recently welcomed new leadership in both its New York and Santa Monica offices.
Photo: Julia Paskert, Andrew Granelli and Yoshiko Hirata
Shepherd offers a range of services that includes VFX, design and finishing, all in a boutique setting. The studio's clients include Nike, Apple, Gatorade, Lexus and Proctor & Gamble. The company's new SoHo office in New York City is co-located with sister brand Cabin Editing Company.
Shepherd’s New York team will be led by executive producer Julia Paskert and creative director Andrew Granelli, with support from senior Flame artist Yoshiko Hirata. Paskert joined Shepherd earlier this year as executive producer and has helped to spearhead the company’s New York outpost.
She brings 12 years of experience in the VFX and finishing world, having most recently served as EP at Method Studios, with previous gigs at Company 3, The Mill, and Digital Domain.
Granelli has worn multiple hats as a creative director, on-set VFX supervisor and Flame artist. Prior to joining Shepherd, he spent eight years at Harbor Picture Company, with previous experience at Click 3x, Tanq, and Nice Shoes.
Originally from Japan, Hirata built her career across film, television and commercials since moving to the US in 2001. She has worked in TV on Smallville, on the films Charlie Wilson’s War and The Goldfinch, and with numerous brand clients, including Pamper’s, Swiffer, Wal-Mart, CVS, Tide, Citibank and Revlon. She joined Shepherd in early 2024, after most recently working at Harbor Picture Company as a senior Flame artist. In addition, she is a member of the Visual Effects Society.
In related news, Shepherd’s Santa Monica office has also grown with the addition of Crystal Rossmann as executive producer and the promotion of Emily Irvine to creative director.