Tony Como

Hello! My name is Tony Como. With 10 years of experience in visual effects and design, I believe my talents translate exceptionally well to visual effects, gaming, and other creative industries. I have extensive experience managing large creative teams, creating pipelines and workload goals, streamlining processes and procedures, and creating highly engaging visuals.

I have extensive experience training, mentoring, and managing teams to meet international standards, and I enjoy developing individual skills and promoting team members to great responsibilities. With a collaborative communication style, I am able to develop strong relationships with clients, vendors, other departments, and with my team.

I thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy a lively exchange of ideas. I love making work fun for my team and revel in the creative process – working together to deliver the most creative products possible. I have a refined aesthetic and deep knowledge of visual effects tools, pipelines, and software.

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  Head of Digital Prep

  Pixomondo

  Nov 2022 - Present

  3 yrs

  Miami, Florida

  Supervised Matchmove, Digital Paint, and Roto teams across North America, driving exceptional quality and efficiency in workflow processes. Enhanced project packaging and versioning systems to improve vendor collaboration and ensure smooth production transitions.
  
  Spearheaded a crucial 18-month initiative to overhaul outdated pipelines and toolsets, streamlining processes, integrating new technologies, and adopting global best practices, which significantly improved operational efficiency and project delivery.
  
  Successfully implemented rigorous global standards, achieving a 25% reduction in version kickbacks and significantly enhancing inter-department collaboration. This strategic improvement not only bolstered the department's reputation for excellence and reliability but also expedited project workflows, consistently keeping projects on schedule or ahead of deadlines by facilitating faster deliverables to downstream departments.
  
  Championed the development and refinement of workflows, toolsets, and processes, optimizing internal efficiency and achieving exceptional results in digital production.
  
  Managed resource allocation for artists across North America, closely collaborating with business and production teams to forecast project requirements and optimize resource distribution.
  
  Led strategic initiatives to maximize the utilization of artist talents across diverse projects, aligning with both short-term and long-term organizational objectives.
  
  Developed and implemented strategies to enhance artist engagement and effectiveness, coordinating effectively with cross-functional teams to maintain high productivity and satisfaction.

  

  

  
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  Artist Manager

  Ghost VFX

  Mar 2022 - Nov 2022

  8 mos

  Miami, Florida

  Managed resource allocation for artists across North America, collaborating closely with business and production teams to accurately forecast project requirements and optimize resource distribution
  Led strategic initiatives to enhance the utilization of artist talents on diverse projects, aligning short-term and long-term goals with organizational objectives
  
  Conducted artist interviews and performance evaluations, designing tailored career paths to foster professional growth and development opportunities
  
  Implemented a structured approach to performance management, ensuring artists received constructive feedback and clear direction for career advancement
  
  Developed and implemented strategic plans to maximize artist engagement and effectiveness across projects, ensuring alignment with company vision and goals
  
  Coordinated effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations and efficient use of artistic resources, maintaining high productivity and artist satisfaction

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  Global Head of Digital Prep

  Method Studios

  Dec 2020 - Mar 2022

  1 yr 3 mos

  Montreal

  Led the Digital Paint and Roto (DPR) department across studios in Canada, the US, Australia, and India, ensuring alignment with global initiatives and raising artistic and technical standards.
  
  Orchestrated operations for the Global DPR department, implementing consistent global practices and devising creative and resource strategies for high-profile productions.
  
  Spearheaded the development and optimization of departmental pipelines and toolsets in collaboration with the development team, significantly improving efficiency and artistic skills.
  
  Established global best practices and enhanced toolsets, resulting in increased departmental efficiency and output.
  
  Improved quality standards, leading to a 25% decrease in version kickbacks and expedited shot completion, facilitating smooth transitions to subsequent projects.
  
  Provided creative direction for major film and episodic productions, overseeing client-centric beauty projects and ensuring excellence in execution.
  
  Collaborated with resourcing leaders and producers to strategically staff projects and adapt to evolving production demands, maintaining operational efficiency.
  
  Implemented growth and development opportunities to maintain high team retention rates, fostering a supportive and progressive work environment.
  
  Conducted comprehensive performance evaluations and career development programs, nurturing team growth and professional advancement.
  
  Represented the company at prominent industry events such as Effects Montreal, sharing insights, company culture, and career guidance to enhance the company's industry presence and influence.

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  Head of Digital Prep

  Method Studios

  Jan 2019 - Dec 2020

  1 yr 11 mos

  Led creative and resource management for 2D and 3D department teams, significantly contributing to all projects for Digital Paint and Roto (DPR), Tracking, and Department Production
  
  Supervised and managed high-profile visual effects projects, ensuring alignment with client specifications and project goals
  
  Collaborated with global studios in Canada, the U.S., Australia, and India to develop department initiatives, provide strategic direction, and establish consistent global standards and guidelines
  
  Partnered with production management to meet budget targets, optimizing resource allocation and financial efficiency for both departments
  
  Designed and implemented optimized workflows for leads and artists, significantly enhancing job efficiency and reducing production times
  
  Actively promoted company culture, visual effects insights, and career opportunities, presenting at industry events like Effects Montreal to engage and inspire high school students and graduates.

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  Head of Digital Paint and Roto

  Method Studios

  Aug 2018 - Jan 2019

  5 mos

  Montreal

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
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  Head of Digital Paint & Roto

  Method Studios

  Sep 2017 - Jan 2019

  1 yr 4 mos

  Saskatoon

  Spearheaded the establishment and leadership of the company's top-tier Digital Roto and Paint Department for renowned films and TV series
  Implemented cutting-edge industry best practices and standards to enhance quality and efficiency within the department
  
  Innovated workflows and pipelines to optimize production processes, enhancing overall project efficiency
  
  Expanded and managed a global vendor network to support project execution and meet client demands proficiently
  
  Collaborated seamlessly with cross-functional departments to ensure timely project delivery and high-quality work
  
  Drove revenue growth through adept client relationship management and acquisition of new project opportunities
  
  Enhanced team skills and growth through effective leadership and development initiatives

  
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  Digital Paint and Roto Supervisor

  Atomic Fiction

  Aug 2018 - Dec 2018

  4 mos

  Montreal

  

  

  

  

  

  
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  Digital Paint and Roto Supervisor

  Base FX

  Oct 2015 - Sep 2017

  1 yr 11 mos

  Beijing

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
• 

  Senior Digital Paint Artist

  Industrial Light & Magic

  May 2014 - Oct 2015

  1 yr 5 mos
• 

  Digital Artist

  Industrial Light & Magic

  Apr 2014 - Jun 2014

  2 mos

  Credits:
  Transformers 4: Age of Extinction

  

  

  
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  Digital Paint Artist

  Wētā FX

  Jun 2013 - Apr 2014

  10 mos

  Credits:
  
  The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
  Dawn of Planet of the Apes
  
  Senior Paint Artist

  

  
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  Compositor

  Newbreed Visual Effects

  Apr 2013 - May 2013

  1 mo

  Credits:
  
  Horns
  Site 146

• 

  Compositor and Stereoscopic Compositing TD

  Blue Sky Studios

  Nov 2012 - Apr 2013

  5 mos

  Credits:
  
  Epic

  
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  Paint and Rotoscope Artist

  Framestore

  Oct 2012 - Nov 2012

  1 mo

  Credits:
  
  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

  
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  Stereoscopic Compositor/Layout Artist

  Digital Domain

  Jan 2012 - Sep 2012

  8 mos

  Credits:
  
  Mets: Heads Up Display (2012)
  Layout Artist/Stereoscopic Compositor
  
  Mets:The Ball Unleashed (2012)
  Layout Artist

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  Digital Artist

  Digital Domain

  Feb 2011 - Dec 2011

  10 mos

  Credits:
  Smurfs (2011)
  Stereoscopic Compositor (uncredited)
  
  Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
  Stereoscopic Compositor (uncredited)

  
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  Creative

  Apple Retail

  Nov 2010 - Jan 2011

  2 mos

  I was a trainer to our OnetoOne customers. Showing them everything from the basics to Final Cut Pro.

• Motion Artist

  Capsule Media

  Apr 2010 - Nov 2010

  7 mos

  Created and completed motion graphics, compositing, editing, and final audio mixes for a variety of commercial clients.
  
  Credits:
  My First Time
  Digital Effects
  
  Discovery Saved My Life: Last Chance to Survive
  Compositor (uncredited)

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  Specialist

  Apple Retail

  2009 - May 2010

  1 yr 5 mos

  I was a Specialist.

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  Motion Designer

  Spine3d

  May 2006 - Feb 2010

  3 yrs 9 mos

  I finalized editing, color correcting, motion graphics, compositing, matchmoving, and rotoscoping on a variety of high-end architectural animations.

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  Freelance Artist

  Zimmerman Advertising

  Nov 2009 - Nov 2009

  1 mo

  Created motion graphic spot and rotoscoped footage for car commercial.

• Intern

  Studio of Digital Art

  Jan 2006 - May 2006

  4 mos

  As an intern, I completed video editing tasks as well as creating the company demo reel.

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  Base FX

  ? - Present

  

• Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, Visual Effects

  The Art Institutes

  2004 - 2007

• Miami International University of Art and Design

  2004 - 2007