Framestore CEO William Sargent steps down after 26 years, handing over the reins to Mel Sullivan

Framestore founding member and CEO William Sargent has resigned after 26 years at the Oscar-winning VFX Studio. Mel Sullivan has become the new CEO of the company, which goes into effect this week.

Going forward, Sargent will focus on Framestore Company 3 Group, a post-production giant that Framestore acquired in 2020 through partnerships with Aleph Capital and Crestview.

Sullivan has been with Framestore since 1998, most recently as the company’s operations director. In his new role, he will increase his he focus on the strategic direction of the company. The new CFO, Claire Price Group, will assume the day-to-day financial responsibilities of Framestore and Company 3 starting July 1.

Sullivan began his career in finance and corporate brokerage. Since joining Framestore, he has played a pivotal role from the company’s London roots and 150 employees to a global company with eight offices on four continents and over 3,000 artists, producers and technicians. He has a deep understanding of Framestore’s business, people and creative culture, balancing his daily operational knowledge with a strong strategic focus.

Sullivan will be supported in his new role by Fiona Walkinshaw, who will serve as CEO of Film and Episode, and Charles Howell, who will serve as President of Framestore, Global Advertising and Content.

“From day one, I’ve always felt that Framestore had exceptional quality and a flash as a company,” Sullivan said. “I think it’s a unique combination of creativity, collaboration and vision – it sets our work and our people apart, and that’s what we want to keep as we integrate Montreal, Vancouver and Studios. Melbourne, the growth and advancement of our Mumbai studio in areas such as real-time machine learning and virtual manufacturing.

“I am constantly amazed by the people here and what they are doing, and I am absolutely thrilled to play an even bigger role in Framestore’s story as we move forward. I am grateful for William’s continued support and the amazing management team whose hard work and experience have been a great help on this ongoing journey. “

Sargent added, “Framestore has grown and developed tremendously since we started the company with five people and one great idea. From David Bowie and Madonna’s pop commercials and promotions, we have moved on to successful franchises, interim episodes. and iconic theme park installations. In less than five years, the company has doubled in size and expanded into three new areas, so it really looks like Mel is taking the reins at another important stage in the evolutionary growth of the company. “I have no doubts that under his leadership we will see the company continue its ambitious path.”

Since its inception, Framestore has created images for people like Severity, paddington 1 Y Two, Spider-Man: There is no way to go home, Its dark materials Y 2049 runner blade.