Ed Shires Joins Electric Theatre Collective as Joint Head of 3D

Electric Theatre Collective has announced that Ed Shires has joined the team as joint head of 3D.

Having realised he was enjoying the ‘Making Of” films as much if not more than the films themselves, Ed was always clear on where he wanted to focus his future pursuits.

Going on to study animation, Ed’s graduation film ‘Solar’ won him the Royal Television Society award. This got his foot in the door, and he has now been working in VFX post production for almost 16 years, spending four of them in New York gaining valuable experience of the US market. Returning to the UK in 2017 as VFX supervisor, Ed went on to become head of CG at The Mill in 2019, a role he has filled until joining ETC.

Get to know more about Ed below. 

Q> Firstly, Why Electric?

Ed> I was struck early on by how every member of the team, on all levels of the business, are clearly very proud of what they have created, nurtured and are a part of here. It takes little to understand how this quickly flows into the work and the enjoyment of being part of its creation. Who wouldn't aspire to be part of that?!

Q> How did you start your career in VFX, what inspired you?

Ed> I’ve always been curious as to how things work. If you're also self motivated, have a passion for the visual arts, puzzles and problem solving, VFX is very much something you may find a passion for. My inspiration came from a wide gamut of things; from family, watching movie breakdowns, to writing short animated films, photography and generally trying to look at things differently.

Q> Let’s get straight to the point, were you in the line for Oppenheimer or Barbie?

Ed> I lifted my Kenergy last week. That said, given what we do, there will be no way I’m missing Oppenheimer.

Q> You spent some time working in New York. What was the best and worst thing about living in NYC?

Ed> It's an all consuming whirlwind for the senses no matter the time of day or season you're in; I never had a mundane day in 4 years. The people are amazing too, whether they are a native New Yorker or an implant, so many people have interesting stories and reasons to be there; I met many lifelong friends and treasure that time.

Q> What's the worst thing about living in NYC?

Ed> Leaving NYC.

Q> Past ETC project you wish you worked on?

Ed> ‘Cash in Cash Out’, Apple - ‘Quiet Noise’ and actually one or two projects we have yet to be aired.

Q> Past anything you wish you worked on (film, TV, commercial, music video)?

Ed> Mary Poppins

Q> Are you joining the cat or dog slack channels (or neither because you’re too busy for all of that)?

Ed> Dog channel! That said, I’d be well up for a bike one.

Q> If you didn’t end up in VFX, what was plan B?

Ed> I have to be honest, I dedicated myself to a goal and it worked out; I gave other options very little thought.

Q> As a joint CG HOD with Greg, who do you think would win in an arm wrestle?

Ed> As a keen cyclist, I’ve rather neglected my chest and arms for over a decade. My money’s on Greg.

Q> If you had one piece of advice for someone looking to step into the industry, what would it be?

Ed> Presuming you’re still a student -  look for an internship or  job as a runner in Post during your studies. Those contacts and mentors you’ll meet as well as the exposure to industry work and techniques will be sure to pay dividends in your work and at when you graduate. You have to be proactive.