The early noughties in London was an incredible melting pot for VFX. Harry Potter was keenly anticipated, CG fur was considered neat, Houdini was hard, and chrome balls were starting to show up on set. Techniques were developed, teams formed, and long lasting friendships were made. Cut forward a couple of decades, and with many dozens of films behind them, one of London’s original bands is now back together at ModelFarm with the recent arrival of VFX Supervisor Louis Dunlevy.
A global force in the industry, Louis has over 30 years of experience and a credit list that includes Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Andor, Elvis, and Thor: Love and Thunder.
This strategic talent acquisition isn’t just about strengthening capabilities, it’s about reigniting a unique and time-tested creative partnership. Louis reunites with ModelFarm co-owner Rangi Sutton, with whom he shares a deep professional history spanning over two decades. Their collaboration began more than 25 years ago and flourished across a wide range of projects and studios. Now, with both leaders under the ModelFarm banner, this rare meeting of minds is once again poised to deliver extraordinary results.
“Bringing Louis onboard is about more than just experience, It’s about creative alignment. We speak the same language, not just technically, but artistically. That kind is hard to find, and even harder to recreate.”
Rangi Sutton, VFX Supervisor
The reunion of Rangi and Louis signals a bold step forward for ModelFarm. With Rangi’s leadership on gritty projects like The Equalizer 3 and Louis’s background leading teams across the globe on blockbuster tentpoles, the studio now boasts one of the most balanced and dynamic leadership teams in the Australian VFX landscape.
Founded in 2017 by Shane Aherne, ModelFarm has grown from its Adelaide roots to include a bustling Brisbane studio, expanded in 2022 with Rangi’s arrival as partner. The studio has made a name for itself by embracing new technologies and agile workflows – qualities that Louis, a seasoned creative technologist and pipeline strategist, is perfectly equipped to enhance.
“ModelFarm has something special. It’s a studio built by artists, for artists… nimble, innovative, and grounded in trust. Rejoining Rangi here, with Shane’s vision and the studio’s momentum, feels like a full-circle moment. But really, we’re just getting started.”
Louis Dunlevy, VFX Supervisor
With a résumé that spans Framestore, ILM, DNEG, and RSP, and a career that has taken him from Milan to London to Sydney, Louis brings a rare global perspective to ModelFarm’s boutique setting. His appointment signals the studio’s ambition to not only scale up but also to elevate its creative and technical benchmarks. Already known for standout work VFX on titles including Dark Harvest, Piece byPiece, and virtual production on the upcoming Beast of War, ModelFarm is now positioned to chase even more complex and high-profile projects.
The combined legacy of Louis, Rangi and Shane, bolstered by a shared philosophy, complementary skill sets, and a deep well of mutual respect, marks a pivotal moment in the studio’s evolution. In an industry where true creative partnerships are becoming increasingly rare, ModelFarm is banking on the power of trust, collaboration, and vision, values that not only shaped its foundation but now define its future.