John-Paul Harney

I am a BAFTA and EMMY nominated CG generalist with over 30 years experience in the Visual Effects industry.

I’ve worked at numerous post-production facilities including Coffee & TV, The Mill, Smoke & Mirrors, Millfilm, Rushes, The Hive, Lola and Envy. At Smoke & Mirrors I led a team of 3D artists as head of CG to create visual effects and animation for commercials and campaigns for major international brands.
My role involved collaborating with clients to interpret briefs, recommend techniques and generate project quotes. In addition to overseeing and managing productions, I regularly attended shoots to advise on post-production requirements.

While some projects call for a quick, one-off approach, more often they need a pipeline to handle evolving revisions. I thrive on building bespoke solutions that support fast turnaround updates – this is where Houdini excels, and where I get a kick out of creating that elusive ‘make it better’ button.

Aside from post-production work, I also direct. Most recently, I wrote, designed and directed a 90-second spot for Unite the Union, highlighting a report on the effects of profiteering. Other directing credits include work for MTV and National Geographic. Directing is a great creative outlet, but it also gives me valuable perspective on the client side, which really hones my interpretation of supplied briefs.

I have an MA in Directing Animation from the National Film and Television School where my graduation film 'Brand Spanking' won numerous international awards including the Edinburgh Film Festival Animation Award and the British Animation Awards.

I primarily work in Houdini but am also proficient in other supporting software such as Nuke, Photoshop, Zbrush etc

I’ve also collaborated with artists and choreographers, directing animated back projections for the critically acclaimed Random Dance Company, and designing for Hussein Chalayan’s couture line at Paris Fashion Week.

I am not a robot.