Paul Dickson and Greg Flannagan join forces to launch Auckland boutique VFX house – Cause+FX

Digital artists Paul Dickson and Greg Flannagan have teamed up to launch Cause+FX, Auckland’s newest boutique post production outfit.

With a more than 18 years of post experience between them, assorted accolades and a fresh bag of tricks, the duo is looking forward to the challenge of establishing themselves in the TVC market.

Dickson is well known in the Auckland scene having worked with a wide range of directors in his capacity as a flame artist at leading post houses and as a freelancer in Auckland after landing ex UK in 2003 direct from Glassworks London.

As a former psychology major, computer science graduate, software developer and a kiwi, Flannagan’s array of complimentary talents match Dickson’s in Cause+FX.  Starting out in the production industry over seven years ago, Flannagan fast-tracked to Flame, amassing experience in both short and long form projects including most recently teaming up with Dickson on the Starz hit TV series, Spartacus.

Says Dickson: “We have had the privilege of working – both independently and together – with talented people in world class New Zealand companies and have been fortunate to be able to contribute to a number of high profile international projects, which has provided us with a strong creative experience base.  We are very grateful to those people and companies for the opportunities provided.”

Dickson and Flannagan were cornerstone members of the VFX team working on Spartacus: Vengeance and also worked on the prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, and the ground breaking series one, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, featuring the late Andy Whitfield.

“Sitting in the hot seat, working together on what were demanding long-form scenarios, we developed techniques that allow us to produce quality results very quickly and to a high creative standard,” says Flannagan.  “What we achieved and learnt doing the graft has provided a great foundation for what we offer the TVC market.”

Dickson added: “Being able to draw on the film and TV experience is valuable. It’s like training long distance – you develop stamina, strength and depth that you wouldn’t otherwise have. We’ve learned a few tricks that we can pull out when the pressure comes on, and we are able to maintain quality, pace and creative flair within that.”

Flannagan says its early days yet but their intention is to position as a creative yet efficient VFX engine room, with a focus on responsiveness and service, and with the intention of producing work worthy of recognition.  

 “With this new venture we bring a fresh perspective to the market, along with a passion and hunger to do some great work”, says Flannagan.

“Being owned and operated by artists, we have the luxury of being able to give it that little bit more.  And it’s important to enjoy yourselves; we always like to have had a bit of a laugh along the way,” Dickson concluded. “We wanted to extend the invitation to people to talk to us about projects, have a look at the work we have done and find out about how we can work together to produce great results.”

Dickson and Flannagan are joined by producer Kirsty Martin.