Animal Logic Academy

Raphaël has over 14 years’ experience in the VFX industry in animated features, live action films and TVCs.

From a strong background in engineering with solid knowledge in mathematics and physics, most recently Raphaël was FX Supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic where he focused on mentorship and artists’ growth. 

Raphaël has also held creative positions at Animal Logic, Method Studios, Luma Pictures, Double Negative, Fuel VFX and Dr D Studios. He has worked on projects as varied as The Batman, The Book of Boba Fett, Space Jam 2, The Mandalorian, Jungle Cruise and Spider-Man: Far From Home just to name his most recent productions.

Andrew Johnston is Professor at the University of Technology Sydney, where he is Acting Head of School of Computer Science.  He is also research director of the UTS Animal Logic Academy, a unique, professionally-equipped studio focusing on the creative application and design of digital technologies. Since 2021 he has been Co-Director of the UTS Visualisation Institute.

Andrew's research work focuses on the design of systems that support experimental, exploratory approaches to interaction, and the experiences and real-world practices of the people who use them.

In recent years, Andrew has created large-scale interactive projection systems for dance and physical theatre performances in collaboration with Stalker Theatre. Productions featuring his work have toured internationally and been attended by more than 50,000 people to date. He has also led numerous projects exploring new approaches to animation, immersive visualisation and augmented and virtual reality. His research in these areas is concerned with the real-world use of these technologies by a diverse range of users including field technicians, musicians, organisational leaders and the general public.

Andrew has supervised numerous practice-based research PhDs to completion, and his graduates include high-profile researchers and artists working in Australia and internationally. During his time at UTS Andrew has designed, developed and presented undergraduate and postgraduate courses in interactive media and interaction design.

Rowan has over 14 years of professional experience in feature films, television commercials, video game cinematics, as well as architectural, scientific, and automotive visualisation. He is a dual specialist in lighting and camera matchmove. His feature film credits include The Creator, The Lego Movie 2, Elvis, and Peter Rabbit, among many others. He has worked as a senior and lead artist at many of Australia's most prominent studios, including Animal Logic, Slate VFX, Fin Design and Effects, Rotor Studios, Mighty Nice, and Plastic Wax.

Anthony has a passion for pushing the boundaries of 3D animation, VFX and postproduction.

He has a strong background in tool development, Houdini simulations and crossplatform pipeline support. He is keen on leveraging emerging technologies, including AI, to drive innovation in production.

Alex's international career spans two decades as a writer, director, animator and script consultant in senior roles across the animation and VFX industries, working at companies including Rising Sun Pictures, Animal Logic, Flying Bark and Script Central.

Most recently Alex worked on ‘Peter Rabbit’ and wrote and directed the Chinese animated feature films ‘Frog Kingdom 3’ and ‘Frog Kingdom 4’. He was co-director of the animated feature ‘Blinky Bill: The Movie’, animation supervisor on Zack Snyder’s ‘Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole’ and lead animator on the Oscar-winning animation feature ‘Happy Feet’.