London- and Montreal-based studio Cinesite has hired industry mainstay Marianne O’Reilly as Chief Operating Officer for its feature animation studio in Quebec. Based out of the Montreal facility, O’Reilly will be responsible for the oversight, development and management of service work as the studio continues to grow its roster of animated feature films.
Under O’Reilly’s leadership, the Cinesite Animation studio will increase its capacity to span two floors within the building to support of the current productions on 3QU Media’s four-film slate — including Charming and Gnome Alone.
“I’m thrilled to take on the COO role at this critical time, and to connect again with colleagues in the Montreal film community. Cinesite Animation is a dynamic studio with a strong reputation, growing from 3QU’s slate of films and beyond,” said O’Reilly. “We have a number of exciting projects ahead, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with our clients and supporting our talented international crew. Montreal is a city with great heart and beauty; a perfect backdrop for storytelling. I’m happy to call it my new home.”
O’Reilly joins the company from Vancouver Film School, where she was responsible for 300 graduates per year and 65 faculty members as Head of Animation & Visual Effects. Beginning her career at Rainmaker as a VFX producer, O’Reilly rose to the role of President of its VFX and animation division. During her tenure, O’Reilly helmed an award-winning team of producers, supervisors, artists, department heads and administration in Vancouver and London. She effectively lead all aspects of the Vancouver & London CIS facilities, while navigating the successful transition from Rainmaker to CIS upon purchase by Deluxe Ent. in 2008.
O’Reilly’s appointment follows Cinesite Animation’s hiring of former Illumination Entertainment executive Dave Rosenbaum as Chief Creative Officer.
