David Horsley
About David Horsley
David Horsley is an FX Lead at LAIKA, LLC, with over a decade of experience in visual effects. He has previously held positions at Rhythm and Hues, Digital Domain, and Sony Pictures Imageworks, contributing to notable films such as 'Kubo and the Two Strings' and 'Missing Link'.
Current Role at LAIKA
David Horsley serves as the FX Lead at LAIKA, LLC, a position he has held since 2014. In this role, he specializes in creating complex visual effects, including ocean water simulations, smoke and fire effects, destruction, and magic effects. His expertise in fluid simulations has been instrumental in various projects. He utilizes advanced software tools such as Houdini, Mantra, Katana, Maya, and RIS Renderman to achieve high-quality results in FX and simulation work.
Previous Experience in Visual Effects
Before joining LAIKA, David Horsley accumulated significant experience in the visual effects industry. He worked at Rhythm and Hues as an FX Supervisor for eight years, from 2005 to 2013. He also held positions as a Senior FX Artist at Digital Domain for three months in 2013 and at Sony Pictures Imageworks for seven months in 2013-2014. Additionally, he worked as an FX Technical Director at Ring of Fire Studios for two months in 2005.
Education and Training
David Horsley has a diverse educational background. He studied Forestry at the University of New Brunswick, earning a BSc in 1978. He then pursued Visual Arts at Mount Allison University, achieving a BFA from 1978 to 1982. He furthered his education in Graphics and Animation at Sheridan College, obtaining a certificate in Computer Animation in 1991. He also attended Michigan State University for Visual Arts, where he completed one year towards an MFA.
Contributions to Notable Films
Throughout his career, David Horsley has contributed to several notable films. At LAIKA, he worked on the visual effects for 'Missing Link', which required advanced animation techniques. He also showcased his expertise in fluid simulations through his work on the water effects for 'Kubo and the Two Strings'. His contributions have significantly impacted the visual storytelling in these projects.
Online Portfolio and Demo Reel
David Horsley has a demo reel available online that showcases his work prior to joining LAIKA. This reel highlights his skills in FX and simulation, demonstrating his proficiency in creating various visual effects. The portfolio serves as a testament to his experience and capabilities in the field of visual effects.