DNEG officially opened its previously announced studio in the King West district of Toronto today, with more than 150 employees already hired, and revealed significant progress in its aggressive Canadian expansion efforts. As part of the official opening event, DNEG Toronto welcomed Mayor John Tory, Toronto Global CEO Stephen Lund and other special guests to celebrate this momentous occasion.
The opening was also attended by DNEG leaders, including global chief technology officer Paul Salvini, general manager Gavin Graham, office manager Maggy Pelletier and DNEG VFX supervisor Brian Connor with DNEG’s most recent Oscar, BAFTA, and VES Award for Dune in tow.
“I am thrilled with the progress DNEG has made over the past six months in establishing a strong presence in Ontario, with exciting career opportunities in visual effects work for film and episodic projects, feature animation, and technology. The welcome we have received from local trade associations, Toronto Mayor John Tory and his team, and of course the incredible talent pool in Toronto, has been overwhelming,” Graham said.
“Toronto’s film and television production industry is second to none in the world, and I am delighted to welcome DNEG to be a part of this dynamic and thriving sector. DNEG will join industry leaders and our locally-based, globally-minded talent, to further grow and diversify the sector. We welcome DNEG to the Toronto Region and embrace its enhanced presence and partnership in original content production,” Tory said.
“DNEG is proud to invest in its Canadian studios, providing the local VFX, animation and high-tech talent pool in the area with opportunities to work on some of the world’s biggest films as we experience increasing demand from the entertainment industry for our premium quality work. We remain committed to our long-term growth strategy as DNEG expands from feature film and episodic TV content to take advantage of opportunities in adjacent markets, including gaming and the metaverse,” said DNEG chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra.
“Toronto Global was pleased to work with DNEG to help establish its new studio in the Toronto Region, bringing hundreds of jobs and significant economic benefits to our world-class television and film production sector. DNEG’s investment is yet another signal that the spotlight continues to shine brightly on the Toronto Region,” said Toronto Global CEO Stephen Lund.
Conveniently located at the corner of Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street West, the bright and airy downtown space features city views and access to a rooftop patio. With over 150 hired so far and many openings still available to local talent, the DNEG Toronto team has opportunities for positions at all levels across VFX, Animation and Technology, with flexible working arrangements.
The company remains on track to hire 200 employees for its Toronto studio in year one, including many new technology positions, and is planning to scale the studio even further in year two in response to demand from clients for its premium VFX and animation services. The company has embraced a flexible, hybrid in-office workforce approach to address ongoing COVID-19 precautions and to maximise the company’s appeal in securing the premier talent in the competitive VFX and animation labour marketplaces.