I’m an experienced Animation Director and Studio Head with over 25 years in high-end visual effects, motion graphics, and digital content for film, TV, and global brands. I lead creative teams and deliver VFX, motion design, and animation from concept through final comp, with a strong focus on practical production realities and consistently high craft. Alongside my artistic direction, I bring deep technical expertise in studio systems—network administration, GPU/renderer farm architecture, and AI integration—so teams have the stable, scalable infrastructure they need to move fast without compromising quality. I’m currently integrating AI/LLM workflows into production pipelines to streamline collaboration and keep the studio mission-critical and efficient.…

Martin Cook

I’m an experienced Animation Director and Studio Head with over 25 years in high-end visual effects, motion graphics, and digital content for film, TV, and global brands. I lead creative teams and deliver VFX, motion design, and animation from concept through final comp, with a strong focus on practical production realities and consistently high craft. Alongside my artistic direction, I bring deep technical expertise in studio systems—network administration, GPU/renderer farm architecture, and AI integration—so teams have the stable, scalable infrastructure they need to move fast without compromising quality. I’m currently integrating AI/LLM workflows into production pipelines to streamline collaboration and keep the studio mission-critical and efficient.…

Available to hire

I’m an experienced Animation Director and Studio Head with over 25 years in high-end visual effects, motion graphics, and digital content for film, TV, and global brands. I lead creative teams and deliver VFX, motion design, and animation from concept through final comp, with a strong focus on practical production realities and consistently high craft.

Alongside my artistic direction, I bring deep technical expertise in studio systems—network administration, GPU/renderer farm architecture, and AI integration—so teams have the stable, scalable infrastructure they need to move fast without compromising quality. I’m currently integrating AI/LLM workflows into production pipelines to streamline collaboration and keep the studio mission-critical and efficient.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Managing Director & VFX/Motion/Animation Supervisor at Orchard Post Ltd
January 1, 2008 - Present
Founded and scaled a full-service post-production facility, delivering high-end VFX for feature films, commercials, and live events. Led creative direction and production, designing the studio's technical backbone (25+ high-performance workstations, media servers, GPU render racks). Managed systems, network design, hardware maintenance, and data security. Spearheaded integration of AI/LLM workflows to streamline production and built long-term partnerships with BP, Global Media, and UK Government RWM.
Head of Design Studio at MPC
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007
Led the design department within one of the world’s most prestigious VFX houses during a high-pressure growth period. Oversaw the transition from file-transfer workflows to high-end compositing and effects workflows, and grew the department from 1 to 7 artists. Managed rotas, holiday scheduling, and performance reviews for a larger team of artists while maintaining role clarity and operational momentum. Implemented new work practices and technical support structures that reduced downtime and maximized artist output.
Head of Design Studio at Moving Picture Company (MPC)
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
Led the design department during a period of high-growth, overseeing the transition from a file-transfer workflow to a high-end compositing and effects powerhouse. Managed multi-disciplinary teams, overseeing rosters, holiday schedules, and performance reviews while maintaining a role as Lead VFX Artist. Implemented new workflows and technical support structures that significantly reduced downtime and increased artist output.
Motion & VFX Artist at MPC
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2004
Contributed high-end craft to iconic film franchise and early-2000s television projects, supporting VFX and motion deliverables during the early stages of the organization’s expansion.
Motion & VFX Artist at Moving Picture Company (MPC)
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2004
Contributed high-end artistry to iconic film franchises and television projects, delivering compositing, motion design, and FX work for a range of high-profile credits.

Education

HND Media Production Management at West Herts College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1999
BTEC National Audio Visual Communication at Southwark College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1997
HND Media Production Management at West Herts College
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
BTEC National Audio Visual Communication at Southwark College
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998

Qualifications

CompTIA A+ Core 1 & 2
January 11, 2030 - April 21, 2026
CompTIA Cyber+ and AI+ pathway
January 11, 2030 - April 21, 2026
CompTIA A+
January 1, 2015 - September 9, 2026
CompTIA Cyber+
January 1, 2015 - September 9, 2026
CompTIA AI Custom
January 1, 2015 - September 9, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Computers & Electronics