NEW YORK CITY — Alkemy X (https://www.alkemy-x.com) continues to expand its visual effects team with the recent additions of head of IT, VFX, Jeff Hipolito, and VFX compositor Jimmy Smith. The hires build on Alkemy X’s dramatic growth in Los Angeles, along with recent expansions to Singapore, Vancouver and Toronto.
With over two decades of IT and VFX experience, Hipolito has earned a reputation for diligence under intense pressure. He recently developed a specialty, creating and optimizing software systems and privacy protocols for VFX companies. Smith boasts a vast knowledge of editing and production experience, most recently working as a compositor at another leading VFX house.
"As our award-winning visual effects team is constantly embracing new technologies, processes and workflows to elevate visuals on projects of all scopes and sizes, security and privacy are as important to us as remaining at the top of our craft," explains Alkemy X president & CEO, Justin Wineburgh. “Jeff is a key addition to our team that will allow us to continue to take our VFX to the next level. And Jimmy fits squarely within our strategy to ensure the absolute best artistic talent on our already incredibly deep bench.”
Originally from Australia, Hipolito entered IT with self-taught knowledge gleaned from poring over computer magazines and building his own desktop video editing systems. His foundation in IT comes from a wealth of experience in various financial industry roles before pivoting into VFX. He has created his own animation and independent short films while experimenting with new technologies. Within the VFX space, Hipolito has worked at a number of studios, spearheading the IT needs of the fast-paced post production world. He is a graduate of the NYU Film School, and also holds an associates degree from CUNY in multimedia programming.
Starting out as an editing intern at Troma Entertainment, Smith’s career progressed quickly through the film industry. A graduate of CUNY in visual effects, and Arts University Bournemouth, he is skilled in managing, editing and compositing. In his most recent position, Smith climbed the ladder from intern to compositor in just three years, lending his talents on top series, including the Netflix documentary series Colin in Black & White and the Fox procedural drama 9-1-1.