Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Tippet Studio names Michael Root as Chief Technology Officer; Dale Taylor steps in as Head of Production

Tippett Studio, founded by artist, animator and filmmaker Phil Tippett, announced that current Director of Technology for the studio Michael Root has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Additionally, Dale Taylor has been promoted to Head of Production. 

Root began at Tippett Studio in 2007 as a Compositor/Pipeline Engineer/Graphics Software Engineer before being promoted to Head of Research and Development in 2010, and then Director of Technology in 2015. He has used his experience as both an artist and a programmer to modernize Tippett’s infrastructure and pipeline at every level while ensuring that multiple concurrent productions all finish on schedule.  Before joining Tippett Studio, Root helped start Tweak Films/Tweak Software in 2001 (sold to Autodesk in 2015). Root also worked at Weta Digital on the films Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003) and King Kong (2005) as a Compositor and Lead Lighting Technical Director, respectively. 

Taylor was previously VFX producer at Tippett Studio. Prior to Tippett, Dale worked for ILM and Atomic Fiction on projects including Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Wars: Episodes 2 & 3, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and War of the Worlds

Recent Tippett projects include THE MANDALORIAN Season 2 on Disney+, LOCKE AND KEY Season 2 on Netflix, and Marvel Studio’s FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER. The studio has recently moved into content production for themed entertainment and partnering with international brands in addition to their role as one of the industry’s post production houses.   

“I can’t believe it’s been 15 years since I started at Tippett Studio. It’s been a fun challenge keeping an independent shop with a commitment to tradition up-to-date with the rapidly evolving tools of modern filmmaking. I’m looking forward to using my new role to continue making us better, faster and more flexible as we take on new ventures,” said Root.  

“Michael Root has been the engine keeping Tippett Studio artists like me able to make pretty pictures. And grotesque ones too. He’s a huge asset to us and I’m proud to have him in this role. The joint might not work without him,” said Phil Tippett.  

“Dale is the most solid VFX producer I’ve ever worked with. He’s a one man show, from a producing standpoint with a great work ethic. He recognizes our clients’ needs and is creative and flexible in adjusting schedules and budgets as needs change,” said Gary Mundell, COO.

Related Articles

Latest Articles