Fin Design + Effects Asia to remain independent while Fin Design+Effects Australia joins Zero VFX and Mavericks VFX to create global powerhouse

With the announcement today of Fin Design + Effects’ Australian operation joining with the US based Zero VFX and Canadian based Mavericks VFX group, Emma Daines (Founder and CEO of Fin Design+Effects) has told Campaign Brief Asia that the announcement will allow her to fully concentrate on Fin Asia’s expanding operations.

Daines said: “Having Fin Australia moving forward in partnership with Zero VFX and Mavericks VFX, will allow me to fully focus my energy on Fin Asia and expand on our presence in the region through our ever growing Shanghai and Singapore offices. Exciting times ahead, indeed.”

In a landmark move, Fin Design + Effects Australia has partnered with the already unified VFX entities Zero and Mavericks, enabled by the investment of Arenova Capital, a growth investment firm dedicated to partnering with founder-owned and founder-led companies. This combination reinforces the group’s dedication to being a home for world-class talent and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

With a trusted reputation for its innovative VFX services across feature films, episodic and commercials, Fin bolsters the group’s presence, introducing a rich tapestry of visual artistry from the Asia Pacific region and expanding the group’s talent spectrum and service offerings.

Daines added: “When I founded Fin 22 years ago, it was with the desire and intent to create a boutique environment for directors, artists, and producers to collaborate where the emphasis was on creativity and quality. We built a nurturing, stimulating and respectful culture with a common goal, craft and finesse. Today, as we partner with fellow innovators in the industry, that ambition remains firm and I genuinely believe, as a group, this puts us on a path towards greater heights and opportunities. I am steadfastly on board to maintain that ambition and looking forward to working with Arenova and the other group companies to continue shepherding this collective towards our shared vision.”

Like Zero and Mavericks, Fin will maintain full creative autonomy and continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership. Daines will be named Chairperson of Fin and will also be appointed to the group’s board of directors. Chris Spry shall continue in his leadership role of Fin Australia as Managing Director alongside Alastair Stephen as Head of VFX.

Chris Spry, Managing Partner, Fin, says: “Joining forces with Zero and Mavericks combines the talent and strengths of each studio to elevate the already exceptional visual effects services delivered to clients. In keeping with Fin’s core values, this partnership is an opportunity to further invest in and empower our talent. Alongside Alastair and the rest of the creative leadership team, I am excited to take this next step in Fin’s journey and look forward to realising Fin’s full potential.”

Justin Bromley and Stuart White, VFX Supervisors and part of Fin since inception, jointly remarked: “As VFX artists, nothing is more important to us than working on the best and most exciting projects, and collaborating with the best and most talented people. We welcome the opportunity this new alliance brings to Fin in our quest to design, and execute world class visual effects. We’ve always believed that Fin’s greatest strength is its talent and team and we are proud to have maintained Fin’s boutique environment through 22 years of growth. This announcement presents a fantastic opportunity to enhance the scope of our craft without compromising our core strength and culture.”

David Li, Managing Partner of Arenova Capital, said: “From our earliest conversations, it was clear that Emma and team were kindred spirits. Their steadfast commitment to their craft, their people and their culture aligned with our own values and we are honored that Fin has entrusted us to be its partner for its next chapter. Fin’s inclusion enhances our global reach and creative capabilities and further builds towards our conception of a scale VFX company with artists at its centre.”