ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA — Rising Sun Pictures (rsp.com.au) has appointed Phil Barrenger head of operations, a new position that will oversee the artist and technological aspects of the business while reporting to RSP president, Jennie Zeiher. Barrenger’s appointment comes following nearly 13 years at Weta Digital (now WetaFX), where he held titles that included CG supervisor, head of department (lighting) and senior head of department (shots). Most recently, Barrenger contributed to work on Avatar: The Way of Water. He will be located at RSP headquarters in Adelaide, South Australia.
“Phil is a unique individual,” says RSP’s Zeiher. “He epitomizes empathy, understanding and kindness. This, combined with his exceptional intellect, will be key to helping drive RSP forward.”
This is Barrenger’s second stint with RSP, having first started in 2005 as a pre-visualization artist on Superman Returns before working as CG supervisor on projects that included Charlotte’s Web and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
“Returning to RSP holds a special significance for me, as the company gave me my first break in the film industry and played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development,” says Barrenger. “I am thrilled to be joining the executive team in a role (in) which I can make a positive difference. I'm excited to learn, lead, serve and leverage my experience to help RSP continue to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible.”
As part of the newly formed Pitch Black Company, RSP remains committed to growing and expanding its services. In April 2022, RSP launched its Brisbane studio, which now has hit a peak of 60 crew, while its Adelaide studio continues to expand, doubling in revenue over the past two years.
“We have ambitious plans ahead for RSP inside of the Pitch Black company, and it is my firm belief that Phil, alongside our executive and management teams, will take us there,” says Zeiher.