Special Effects Whizz Leaves Oktobor (Wgtn)

3 February 2005

The end credits are rolling on Dean Lyon’s time as Head of Oktobor.

The Detroit native is leaving the visual effects, animation, and post-production studio at the end of March 2005 to set up as a freelance consultant, evaluating and undertaking projects nationally and abroad.

Lyon remains committed to New Zealand and is eager to continue helping grow and shape the innovation and creative industries.

“New Zealand is in the top echelon of countries to be based for anyone involved in film, television and digital content,” Lyon said. “We see time and again world-class product being created through Kiwi ingenuity in technology and creativity.”

Lyon moved to Wellington in 2000 after spending the majority of his working life based in Hollywood California. He graduated from California State University Long Beach (CSULB) with a B.A. in film and conducted post-graduate work at University of Southern California (USC) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) whilst working at industry leaders such as Boss Film Studio, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) and Computer Film Company (CFC).

During his time at Oktobor he raised the company’s profile and brand recognition internationally, launched the state-of-the-art Auckland facility and recruited and developed dozens of artists and technicians.

Lyon, who has more than 50 feature films and hundreds of commercials to his credit, managed the production of scores of world-class television commercials at Oktobor and supervised the company’s contribution to Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. His recent film work includes producing visual effects for Geoff Murphy’s “Spooked” and Sam “Spiderman” Raimi’s “Boogeyman”.

Oktobor CEO David Plummer said in a memo to staff and clients that Lyon had “overseen a dynamic period of growth and demanding market changes” during his time with the company.

”The business is the stronger for his personal dedication and he will be missed,” Plummer wrote. “Dean will be leaving with our thanks and best wishes for his future career and personal life.”

ENDS

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