Eric Bruneau, a compositing specialist, has joined With A Twist Studio. Bruneau will serve as Compositing Supervisor and will focus on feature film projects, but will also be available for commercial and other broadcast work. Bruneau’s background includes senior visual effects positions with powerhouses Digital Domain and Sony Pictures Imageworks. He is currently working on a broadcast package for ESPN College Football.

Bruneau’s arrival is part of With A Twist’s plan to capitalize on Michigan’s recently enacted tax incentives for film productions to attract more feature film work. The state’s plan provides for tax credits of up to 42-percent for film-related work performed in the state, including the type of visual effects work performed by With A Twist Studio. Bruneau’s film credits include such blockbusters as Contact, Starship Troopers, The Day After Tomorrow, and Stuart Little.

Bruneau’s compositing skills are a perfect complement to With A Twist’s core VFX work, according to David Burton, the company’s Visual Effects Supervisor. “We are expecting a huge rise in demand for our film services,” Burton said. “Eric’s presence makes us an even more appealing resource by adding strength and a proven track record to the compositing side. Eric and I have worked together at the same studios, at the same time, but on different shows.”
Burton added that With A Twist plans to continue its focus on “photo-real” visual effects, ranging from simple rig and wire removal to detailed matte paintings and complex blends of live action and computer animation. “Our specialty is creating the kinds of visual effects that the audience is not even aware of,” he said.

Bruneau began his career in architecture and developed skills in computer design that he later applied to graphic design and visual effects for television commercials. In 1997, he joined Sony Pictures Imageworks where his first credit was the film Contact. He worked on five more films for Sony before moving onto Pacific Data Images/DreamWorks, where his credits included Minority Report and AI.

He joined Digital Domain in 2002 and served as compositing supervisor on Star Trek: Nemesis and The Day After Tomorrow. Four of the films that Bruneau has worked on have earned Academy Award nominations for visual effects (Contact, Hollow Man, Stuart Little and Minority Report).

Bruneau said that he looks forward to refocusing his attention to film work. “I am most passionate about working with directors and other artists, and helping them to create spectacular visuals,” he said. “With A Twist has excellent resources and great talent, and I feel that my skills and experience are an excellent fit with theirs. I look forward to helping them develop their film services.”

With A Twist Studio has locations at 1773 Star Batt Drive, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309 and at 1713 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, California 90291. For more information, call (248) 844-0044 or visit www.withatwiststudio.com