The former SideFX and DNEG executive joins the company’s leadership team as the studio expands its investment in AI, scalable pipelines, and next-generation production technologies.
Rodeo FX has appointed Paul Salvini as Chief Technology Officer. The former SideFX and DNEG executive joins the company as it continues investing in next-generation tools, scalable pipelines, and research and development initiatives focused on evolving visual effects production workflows.
Salvini is widely known for his role in the creation and evolution of Houdini during his tenure as CTO at SideFX, where he helped shape one of the visual effects industry's most widely adopted software platforms.
"Technology should always serve the artist," said Salvini. "That philosophy guided our work on Houdini, and it's a vision that resonates strongly with the culture at Rodeo FX. The studio's dedication to empowering artists while embracing cutting-edge technology makes this an incredibly exciting moment to join the team."
While at SideFX, Salvini also taught engineering and computer science at the University of Toronto and worked with technology entrepreneurs developing Canadian startups. After leaving SideFX following more than 15 years with the company, he served as CTO at Christie Digital before becoming CEO of the Accelerator Centre and Associate Vice President of Research at the University of Waterloo, where he helped expand the incubator into a globally recognized business accelerator.
Salvini later returned to the visual effects industry as CTO at DNEG, where he oversaw technology initiatives including early investments in artificial intelligence, real-time technologies, and pipeline modernization efforts designed to support long-term production scalability.
"Paul is a rare leader who understands the deep connection between technology, business, and creativity," said Sébastien Moreau, President & Founder of Rodeo FX. "His philosophy—placing technology in service of artists—aligns closely with Rodeo FX's DNA, making this a natural and strategic addition to the leadership team."
Salvini holds a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo, MASc and PhD degrees from the University of Toronto specializing in computer simulation, and an MBA from the University of Toronto.
The appointment comes as the visual effects industry continues adapting to rapid changes driven by AI, real-time workflows, and evolving production models. Rodeo FX recently received a VES Award for its work on IT: Welcome to Derry and is currently completing work on The Rings of Power and Masters of the Universe.
Salvini succeeds Martin Walker, who will retire from Rodeo FX in May. Walker joined the company in 2024 and helped oversee major technology upgrades, including the integration of the Mikros Animation pipeline following Rodeo FX's acquisition of the studio in 2025.
Founded in Montreal, Rodeo FX provides services across visual effects, animation, advertising, and experiential production. The company operates studios in Montreal, Québec City, Toronto, Los Angeles, Paris, and Bangalore, and has worked with clients including Netflix, HBO, Disney, Marvel, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros., and Sony.
Source: Rodeo FX
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
