Elana Lederman
About Elana Lederman
Elana Lederman is a Technical Director specializing in FX at Pixar Animation Studios, with a background in visual effects for notable films and television series. She has held various freelance positions and academic roles, contributing to projects such as 'Hereditary', 'Encanto', and 'Blindspot'.
Work at Pixar Animation Studios
Elana Lederman currently serves as a Technical Director, FX at Pixar Animation Studios. She has held this position since 2021, contributing to various projects within the studio. Her role involves overseeing the technical aspects of visual effects, ensuring that the artistic vision is realized through effective use of technology.
Education and Expertise
Elana Lederman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Visual Arts from Washington University in St. Louis, studying from 2009 to 2013. She furthered her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Art, Computer Animation, and Visual Effects from the School of Visual Arts between 2013 and 2016. This diverse educational background equips her with a strong foundation in both engineering principles and artistic techniques.
Background in Visual Effects
Elana Lederman has a robust background in visual effects, having worked on several notable films and television series. Her contributions include work on 'Hereditary', 'The Greatest Showman', 'Encanto', and 'Frozen II'. Additionally, she has been involved in visual effects for the television series 'Blindspot' and 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt', showcasing her versatility in the industry.
Freelance Experience in Visual Effects
Throughout her career, Elana Lederman has engaged in various freelance roles in visual effects. In 2020, she worked as a Houdini FX Artist at multiple companies, including PowerHouse VFX, Hornet, The Mill, and Steelworks. Earlier, she also freelanced at Alkemy X and Los York in 2018. These experiences have allowed her to refine her skills and adapt to different project demands.
Teaching at School of Visual Arts
Since 2021, Elana Lederman has been a faculty member at the School of Visual Arts, where she teaches Introduction to Houdini FX and Thesis Pre-Production. Her role as an educator allows her to share her industry knowledge and technical skills with aspiring artists, contributing to the development of the next generation of visual effects professionals.