Sam grew up in the UK. He discovered 3D graphics software while getting his architecture degree, and spent just as much time learning that as he did the architecture part. After graduation, he worked in architectural visualisation for 5 years, then developed a burning need to make films about something other than buildings. Moving to New York in 2008, he started working in VFX for commercials, and freelanced at various studios including 1stAveMachine, Buck, and Method.
In 2010 he shot and released The Sandpit, which was nominated for 2 webbies, won a Prix Ars Electronica Award of Distinction and garnered worldwide recognition. It was purchased as part of MoMA’s permanent collection.
Following a move into directing commercials through Aero Film in 2009, he co-founded Parachute VFX in 2011 to execute the VFX for his own and other directors’ work. Along with VFX supervising the projects, Sam designed and built all of the networking and infrastructure the support the work Parachute completed for Cadillac, Chrysler, Mercedes, US Navy, Northrup Grumman, Samsung, Spectrum and Wells Fargo, among others. In 2018, Parachute was sold to Chimney Vigor Group, an independent global full service creation agency. Sam served as the New York CCO where his role included directing, creative directing and VFX supervision.
Expanding from commercials, Sam VFX supervised long form projects, including Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Don’t Die, Sally Potter’s The Roads Not Taken, season 3 of Amazon’s Absentia, and with Chicken Bone FX supervised work for Halston (Netflix), SEE season 2 (Apple, Emmy nomination), Hello Tomorrow (Apple). Recently he VFX Supervised on set for the upcoming Fallout from Amazon, and served as overall VFX Supervisor for Craig Gillespie’s Dumb Money.
Sam has worked in almost every stage of image creation, from ideation, directing, photography and cinematography, to edit, CG, composite, pipeline, colour, conform and finish. Creative and technically minded, he has a deep understanding of the approach and processes of film making and visual effects.
Sam has spoken at Ars Electronica, Siggraph and the Autodesk User Group Meeting among others. He is a member of the DGA and the VES.