Adelaide moviemakers get national recognition
Adelaide-based Rising Sun Pictures, which has worked on some of the world’s biggest movies in recent years, was last night nationally recognised for its global contributions.
Established in 1995 in Adelaide, Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) has worked with the likes of Disney, Netflix, and Marvel, credited on blockbusters like Spider-Man: Far from Home, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Cocaine Bear, and more recently Deadpool & Wolverine.
The visual effects company received Australia’s top export award from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission last night, as well as the Australian Export Award for Creative Industries.
With more than 240 artists and supervisors, at its Adelaide studio, RSP contributed to 23 film and series projects in 2023. Current works include the upcoming Bob Dylan biographical drama A Complete Unknown.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said the company’s expertise was “highly sought after by major Hollywood studios and streaming giants”.
“The Adelaide-based visual effects company is renowned for its pioneering work bringing Hollywood blockbusters to life,” he said.
Over 240 people work in RSP’s Adelaide studio. Photo: Rising Sun Pictures
RSP president Jennie Zeiher said the company aims “to leave a lasting legacy of innovation and creative excellence”.
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As part of this innovation, RSP launched a toolkit for Machine Learning early this year, REVIZE, which combines tools, processes and people to produce VFX. REVIZE has been used for digital ML augmentation such as body and face replacements, de-aging, and facial performance modification.
The technology reduces the time required in visual effects production and has been used in 20 RSP projects.
“Our pioneering work in this area has garnered attention from major motion picture studios and other visual effects companies,” Zeiher said.
“This has led to a steady stream of projects.
“We have always been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of visual effects, serving as true creative partners to filmmakers worldwide.”
The company is also involved in education through a partnership with the University of South Australia, which sees it deliver a pathway for graduates to enter the workplace.
“This not only enriches the industry but also ensures a continuous influx of new talent and innovative ideas,” Zeiher said.
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Zeiher said the company was now focussing on expanding its exports into the United Kingdom.
RSP marketing manager Crystel Newman, Senator Don Farrell, and RSP president Jennie Zeiner. Photo: supplied
“While Hollywood remains the central hub for decision-making, we see significant potential in the UK,” Zeiher said.
“Major studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix have established a strong presence there. In addition, the high-calibre tentpole films coming out of the UK align with our expertise.”
The export awards saw 88 national finalists across the 13 categories, collectively employing more than 24,300 staff and generating over $7.8 billion in export earnings during the last financial year.
Over half of the 2024 finalists were small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million.
“The Australian Export Awards is a valuable platform to showcase the quality and innovation that Australian companies bring to the world,” Zeiher said.
“Being recognised not only strengthens our reputation but also showcases the impact of our work on a global scale.”
RSP was one of two South Australian companies recognised on the night, with global open-source intelligence solution provider Fivecast taking home the Advanced Technologies award.
Michael Rowan Nickson, Jade Locke, Dr Brenton Cooper, and Monica Brink of Fivecast. Photo: supplied
Fivecast’s intelligence and data collection technology, combined with advanced AI and machine learning works to tackle threats in defence, national security, law enforcement and corporate organisations.
“This innovative approach enables quick and efficient data assessment, identifying potential breaches and flagging them to an analyst,” founder and CEO Brenton Cooper said.
