Moving Pixels is thrilled to announce the addition of Andrew McKenna (above left) and Hatem Ben Abdallah (right) to their Santa Monica VFX boutique. Rounding out the overall depth and scope of the studio, McKenna will serve as VFX Supervisor/Lead Flame Artist, while Ben Abdallah joins the team as 3D Creative Director. Both artists jumped from other high-profile shops; McKenna from Animal Logic and Ben Abdallah from Method. The artists say it was the intimate and creative environment that drew them to the shop. Sam Swisher, Executive Producer at Moving Pixels, said “I’m thrilled by the addition of both of these guys,” noting that, “both Andy and Hatem have attained incredible bodies of work at the industry’s top houses.” Swisher added, “Their talent, personalities, and adaptable natures will guarantee that our clients’ vision and expectations are not only achieved, but respected and pushed to new levels.” As part of this next phase of growth, Moving Pixels is settling in to a loft-like creative warehouse in the heart of Santa Monica where they will focus on photo-real VFX-both 3D and 2D.
Andrew McKenna is a VFX industry veteran, best known for his technical skills, creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and brilliant eye for composure. It was the creative culture, boutique environment, and management style that attracted McKenna to Moving Pixels. Commenting on the move, Andrew noted that, “a mutual friend introduced me to Sam and Tony (Smoller) and from there it has been an amazingly smooth transition. I really wanted to get into a more intimate situation and Moving Pixels was a perfect fit-we think alike in terms of selection of work and they are poised for great success.”

A native of Australia, McKenna has attained significant success across commercials, music videos, and film. Prior to joining the team at Moving Pixels, Andrew worked at Animal Logic in Sydney. There, McKenna supervised the VFX for major commercial campaigns and brands, including Carlton Beer, Adidas, Verizon, Nike, and Gatorade; working for top-tier international directors like Noam Murro, Paul Middleditch and Steve Rogers. His credits also include award-winning commercials and music videos. He received AWARD Gold for Craft in TV ‘ Computer Generated Images for his most recent work on a Toyota Prado “Ice Sculptures” in Australia as well as Best Visual Effects for a Music Video at the VES AWARDS 2004 for a clip for Missy Eliot. He’s also worked on box office blockbusters Spiderman 2 and Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings, while serving as Senior VFX Compositor at both Radium and GMD.

Hatem Ben Abdallah also has an impressive background. Hatem is adept at finding and delivering VFX solutions that both illustrate and enhance a director’s vision. Commenting on the move, Hatem said, “I found a great fit in Moving Pixels. Being involved in the creative process from beginning to end, intimately involved with both Director and Agency, is something I’ve desired for a long time. Not only do we have a great new space, but the vibe here really supports a freeflowing creativity.” Tony Smoller, Creative Director, notes that, “we are all about guaranteeing our directors’ vision, being adaptable, and exceeding expectations; this attitude has helped us land some strong talent from bigger, high-profile shops. Hatem did some amazing work at Method for directors Noam Murro, Victor Garcia, and Traktor, and has already contributed his artistry here for recent spots for AT&T, Lexmark, Hyundai, and Kawasaki.”

Hailing from Paris, Hatem has worked in interactive entertainment and visual effects for more than a decade. Working across commercials, gaming, and film, Hatem made the move from France to Method in 2001. At Method, Hatem served as Lead 3D artist and worked on a long list of high-profile commercials for brands such as DirectTV, Toyota, Honda, and Mountain Dew, as well as features The Ring and The Weatherman.