Alussein was formed in late 2024 with one simple mission — to enable filmmakers to tell great stories powered by Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Meet some of the key technical crew we’ve welcomed over the last couple of months:
Anthony Winter — Head of Pipeline
Anthony heads Alussein’s VFX Pipeline team, leading a group of technologists to build a new-generation, AI-enabled, model-agnostic, end-to-end pipeline. Anthony was most recently Pipeline and Software Supervisor at Rising Sun Pictures where he managed the Production Technology team.
Dr John Bastian — Chief Scientist
John is Alussein’s Chief Scientist, heading up Research and Development in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and translating technical innovation into creative breakthroughs. John has a PhD in Computer Vision focused on 3D scene reconstruction via inverse rendering, with research spanning VR applications for corrective lens modeling and AR systems for real-time 3D geometry recovery and interaction. John is a multiple award VES nominee for his work on Mickey 17 and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
Mahan Noorbahr — ML Developer
Mahan joins the team as a Machine Learning Developer, specializing in computer vision, generative modelling and real-time video processing. Mahan is a Computer Science graduate from the University of Adelaide. He uses machine learning to solve visual effects problems, building VFX pipelines around ML models for high-throughput productions while working closely with the artists using those models, tuning them for the look and speed a production schedule demands.
Nick Murphy — Head of Editorial and Data IO
Nick Murphy is Alussein’s Head of Editorial and Data IO, with 25 years in VFX and Virtual Production. Nick was most recently Head of Technology at NantStudios, building AI-driven production tools and the world’s largest LED volume. Nick’s VFX career started out as a VFX Editor at Animal Logic, Rising Sun Pictures, and Global Head of Editorial for MPC, before moving to Head of Technology at MPC Vancouver, Mill Film and eventually MPC Adelaide, earning over 70 VFX credits to date.
Samantha Maiola — ML & 2D Supervisor
Samantha joins as ML & 2D Supervisor, working closely with the Machine Learning and 2D teams to design ML-assisted workflows and artist-friendly tools. She is a visual effects and machine learning specialist with experience across leading VFX studios including Rising Sun Pictures, Luma Pictures, and Alussein VFX. Her career spans feature film and television productions, with a focus on compositing, machine learning and emerging VFX technologies, combining creative production expertise with technical problem solving and workflow development.
Other key crew we’ve welcomed include Asher Floyd (Ass. Producer), Daria Kozlova (3D Technical Director & Ass. CG Supervisor), Gaby Villar (2D Technical Director), Kranthi Kumar (Production Manager & Ass. Producer) and Reuben Montgomery (Compositing Supervisor), alongside a number of very talented artists and technicians.