Hello
Chris van Dyck is a father of 3, husband and a visual effects leader with a passion for business and community. Utilizing the EOS framework, Chris bootstrapped a company (CVD VFX) in 2015, trailblazing the way for dozens of emerging companies in Vancouver which ultimately grew to over 50 people before selling in 2020.
Starting as a visual effects artist in 2003, Chris pursued project based work, specializing in Compositing at an international level. Holding several roles, from Sr. Artist to Supervisor, Chris worked in New Zealand for Weta Digital on The Hobbit Trilogy; US: Industrial Light & Magic (Transformers & Warcraft); Australia: Animal Logic (300), Rising Sun Pictures (Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince); and in Vancouver studios Canada: MPC (Life of Pi), Method (Thor: The Dark World), The Embassy (Ironman), Prime Focus (Tron).
In an overtime-ridden industry, Chris took the road less travelled and founded CVD VFX on an ethic of ‘quality of work and quality of life’ with a strong commitment to giving back to the industry and his staff’s personal growth. Chris has sponsored several local events, established a scholarship at Capilano University, trained dozens of emerging artists and as a team, supported various charities in the community. With a Masters in Visual Effects from the Art Institute, Chris has taught at several vfx schools, introducing over 100 students into the VFX industry, presented and moderating dozens of events hosting international speakers on the industries most ambitious projects and served on non-profit boards throughout his career.
Most recently, CVD VFX's brand and client base (Netflix, HBO, Marvel, EA, Microsoft) drew the attention of larger studios. Chris brokered multiple deals in 2019 and successfully sold the studio in early 2020. Under the banner of Crafty Apes, Chris continued on as Head of Studio and grew the team to 85 people before taken a Sabbatical. Currently, he has extended his sabbatical until 2023 (after leaving Crafty Apes) and is focusing on his family, travel and education.
AWARDS
2020 BIV: Forty Under 40
2020 Leo Awards - Best Visual Effects ‘Child’s Play’
2019 Leo Awards - Best Visual Effects ‘At First Light’
2018 Leo Awards - Best Visual Effects ‘Indian Horse’
2017 Leo Awards - Best Visual Effects ‘Lavender’
2016 Leo Awards - Best Visual Effects ‘NUMB’
2013 IAWTV Awards (H+) - Best Visual Effects
2010 Much Music Video Awards (Hedley-Perfect) - Post Production of the Year
TESTAMONIALS
Chris had a really, really good eye of what looks good and what doesn't look good, and sometimes I think that's often overlooked when you're working with vendors. When it comes to artistic endeavours, Chris was really top of the list in terms of coming up with looks that really nailed Barry's vision.
Hoyt Yeatman, VFX Supervisor - A Series of Unfortunate Events
When I came on the show, ILM was the primary/only vendor. One of my first tasks was to recruit some additional vendors and divide up the work. CVD was recommended to us by ILM, so that put them high on our list to begin with. Working with CVD was a great experience. Very easy to communicate with, clearly experienced in what they do, very receptive to notes and quick to address them. Organized (which was extremely important and very appreciated on this project). The work was exemplary. CVD quickly became one of the vendors the director and production could rely on and became one of the primary vendors I could depend on — a great working experience!
Roger Nall, VFX Supervisor - 12 Strong
CVD has always been very easy to work with while producing consistently excellent work. They're imminently accessible. Dialogue with CVD is clear and concise. They've been more than willing to help us find creative solutions to some thorny challenges. I value the relationship we've developed and look forward to working with them more in the future.
Curtis Crick, VFX Supervisor - The Magicians
Barry was very impressed after one session with Chris van Dyck – and I can tell you that Barry was very hard to impress! The Opera environment, corridor, and balcony were extremely impressive, as was the interior of the hotel. CVD found a perfect balance between Barry's stylized look and the necessary photo reality required to engage the audience. It was always a tricky balance which CVD navigated perfectly.
Tom Horton, VFX Producer - A Series of Unfortunate Events
When it came to came to the vfx / art direction there was only one person that the Supervisor and I felt we could turn to, and that was Chris. Once we started to work on developing the ‘look’, Chris quickly understood the challenge and he delivered and exceeded the expectations.
Dennis Hoffman, VFX Producer - Schmigadoon!
HIGHLIGHTS
Focus on talent: Taught for 8 years at various schools, Van Arts, Lost Boys and Think Tank Training Centre.
Giving back: I have been a board member of the VES & Spark, organizing events, hosting lectures and moderating talks. I also have an active scholarship at Capilano University.
Work Experience: 18 years in the VFX Industry working in Australia, New Zealand, San Francisco & Vancouver.
Core Values: Founded CVD VFX in 2015, A studio based on the addage ‘Quality of Work earns Quality of Life’
Management: As Head of Studio, I grew the facility to over 70 people and have collectively hired and managed 100s of people
Supervision: On Set Supervised over 20 projects and completed over 100 projects
M&A: Brokered 2 deals in 2019 and sold CVD VFX in Jan 2020
Startups: In 2019, co-founded Fox & Oak, a Coffee & Doughnut Shop focusing on Quality, Community and Sustainability
Do you like Doughnuts & Coffee?
est 2020
