Refuge Add Key Hires, Expands to California, New York, and New Jersey

VFX studio Refuge has expanded its operations to California, New York, and New Jersey while appointing four senior hires: Jason Sperling as VFX Supervisor, Matthew Poliquin and Hallana Paula Barbosa as Executive Producers, and Michael Lebensfeld as Director of New Business.

Founder and Head of Studio Fred Ruff said he established Refuge to give artists an environment where they can push creative boundaries and deliver work that exceeds client expectations. "I founded Refuge to create an environment where artists are free to unleash their creativity and deliver work that goes above and beyond what the client expects," Ruff said. "We don't just solve problems, we exceed expectations by anticipating them and preparing multiple possible paths. Jason, Matthew, Hallana, and Michael are all at the top of their game and I consider them huge assets to our growing studio. Expanding our presence to California, New York, and New Jersey opens us up to even more opportunities.”

Executive Vice President Alex Thiesen noted the expansion reflects broader industry shifts favoring smaller, independently owned companies. "In this era of rapid industry change, it's increasingly evident that nimble, independently-owned companies will lead the way," he said. "The inability to pivot swiftly diminishes the value that large VFX companies can offer. Our expansion into these other markets underscores the real 'bang for buck' that lies with companies of Refuge's scale, where we continue to offer the flexibility and impact that directors, showrunners, and studio executives increasingly prefer."

Based in Los Angeles, Sperling brings more than 20 years of experience across VFX supervision, studio leadership, and production strategy. He previously served as Director of VFX for Original Series at Netflix, overseeing more than 60 concurrent titles including 3 Body Problem, Bridgerton, Vikings: Valhalla, and Umbrella Academy. His earlier work on the first season of The Walking Dead earned him his first Emmy nomination, and his career includes three Primetime Emmy nominations and two VES Award nominations.

Poliquin, also based in Los Angeles, joins as Executive Producer with more than two decades of industry experience. His credits include feature films Get Out and Hellraiser, as well as series such as Bad Monkey, The Studio, Ponies, and The Audacity. He previously served on the executive team at Ingenuity Studios as a founding member.

Barbosa, based in New York, joins as Executive Producer with responsibilities spanning creative development, operations, and client relations from concept through final delivery. She has been nominated for two Hollywood Professional Association Awards for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects for The Sympathizer and The Night Agent. Her credits include One Piece (Seasons 1–3), The Night Agent (Seasons 1–3), Palm Royale (Season 2), S.W.A.T. (Seasons 1–8), and the film Weapons. She previously worked at Ingenuity Studios, where she advanced into a leadership role.

Lebensfeld, based in New Jersey, joins as Director of New Business, working with producers, financiers, directors, and studio executives on projects in development and post-production. He previously worked at Ingenuity Studios, founded by his brother David Lebensfeld, where he became managing director of the New York office and head of business development. His credits include a Video Music Award nomination for Best VFX for Eminem's "We Made You" and contributions to concert graphics for Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour.

Founded in 2013, Refuge is a visual effects studio known for delivering photoreal characters, creatures, and environments for film and television. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the company also operates in Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and New Jersey.

Source: Refuge

Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.