LOS ANGELES—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Aug. 9, 2006—Thomas Tannenberger is pleased to announce the launch of Gradient Effects, a new visual effects studio offering a comprehensive suite of visual effects services for feature films. Olcun Tan, former lead effects developer of Dreamworks, has joined Tannenberger as head of R&D at Gradient Effects. Tan saw the opportunity to provide unique and customized VFX services, and the ability to leverage their substantial international experience.

Located in Venice, California, the team at Gradient Effects is poised to meet the challenges feature film offers by delivering world-class visual effects in a boutique atmosphere. Both VFX artists have a combined total of 30 years of international VFX design and production experience.

"At Gradient Effects, we have a unique skill set that spans the visual effects industry," said Tannenberger, founder of Gradient Effects. "We understand the unique challenges of post production and are committed to delivering the best digital effects in the business. Our new roles will allow us to use our combined experience and produce some of our most dynamic visual effects work yet."

Tannenberger started as an editor and compositing artist for several major post production houses before he became a co-founder of one of Europe’s leading post production facilities, Das Werk. Specializing in feature film, he worked as a VFX supervisor and producer on "Run Lola Run," "Princess and Warrior," "Enemy at the Gates," "The Musketeer," "The Pianist," as well as upcoming films "Southland Tales," "Blood and Chocolate." Tannenberger is a seasoned visual effects artist with more than 20 producer credits.

Tan is a digital effects artist and software developer for customized visual effects solutions. He has worked primarily in lead positions on major international feature film projects including "Over the Hedge," "Black Hawk Down," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Shark Tale," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," "The Patriot," "Enemy at the Gates," "The Thirteenth Floor" and upcoming films "Southland Tales" and "Flushed Away."

"I joined Thomas to demonstrate our creative VFX talents as a team and to continue to work with groundbreaking artists through Gradient Effects," said Tan, head of R&D at Gradient Effects. "We strive to help our customers realize their creative vision on screen through our state-of-the-art technology." Gradient Effects is currently working on a number of feature films including "Southland Tales" and "Blood and Chocolate."