2026 VES Spain Board of Managers Election
OFFICIAL BALLOT
Official voting is now closed. Election winners will be announced soon.
Adrian Castro Viejo
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Senior Layout Artist / On set Vfx Supervisor / 3D Generalist
Candidate Statement:
I am Adrian Castro Viejo, passionate about visual effects and living in Tenerife.
I’ve worked in visual effects for over 12 years, mainly in 3D departments like Layout and Matchmove, and have more than 10 years of background in sound
I’ve worked in many studios in London, where I had some of the best moments of my career, learning from talented teams and supervisors, and made great friends along the way
For the VES Spain Section, I’ve already contributed by organising the first online talk, which was about Gaussian splatting with a local company specialised in that technology. I also created a podcast back in 2020, where I spoke with Spanish artists from around the world to share their experiences, challenges, and day to day lives in the VFX industry.
Right now, I’m also teaching at a local university, something I really enjoy. I believe it’s important to connect students with real professional workflows, something that still feels a bit distant here, and make these opportunities more accessible to everyone.
If I join the Board of Managers, I’d like to help grow our section through more talks and educational initiatives, making sure people across the country feel part of the community, not just those in the biggest cities. Also, to help start an official VES Spain podcast and keep promoting the idea that you can work in top level VFX while living a balanced life anywhere in Spain.
Javier Romero
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Founder and CEO | STARFRAME FILMWORKS
Candidate Statement:
VFX Supervisor with over 25 years of experience in international film production and studio environments. In 2006 I returned from London with a clear objective: to actively contribute to the development, visibility and long-term sustainability of the animation and VFX industry in my country.
Alongside my production and education career, I have maintained a long-standing commitment to the Visual Effects Society. As an early pioneer of VES activity in Spain as part of the VES for Developing Regions Committee, I translated into Spanish the VES Awards Rules and Procedures, helping make the Society more accessible to Spanish speaking communities plus local member growth from three to twenty-two, reflecting sustained engagement and community building.
With strong roots in the local market and extensive international perspective and connections, I am committed to placing my experience, network and leadership at the service of the Society in this new stage.
If elected to the Board of Managers, my contribution would focus on governance, representation and long-term impact. The Board plays a critical role not only in oversight, but in positioning VES as a trusted voice within the broader VFX/Animation community. My priorities would include:
– Strengthening relationships with local and regional governments, education organizations, film commissions and production facilities.
– Promoting VES as a reference for discussions related to talent development, technology and industry sustainability.
– Expanding mentorship and knowledge initiatives and connecting experienced professionals with emerging artists.
– Supporting initiatives that increase visibility, accessibility and professional value for members at all career stages.
Astrid Teresa Busser Casas
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: VFX and Comp Supervisor
Founder of GhostLightVFX
Candidate Statement:
I am a VFX and Compositing Supervisor with more than twenty years of experience working across feature films, episodic television, and commercials for international studios. Having built my career across Europe, North America, and Asia, I bring a global perspective combined with a strong commitment to supporting and strengthening our local VFX community in Spain.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with artists, supervisors, producers, and technologists, giving me a broad understanding of both the creative and practical challenges faced by our industry. In recent years, my work has also focused on emerging workflows, including cloud-based production and generative technologies, with an emphasis on responsible adoption, education, and artistic integrity. I am deeply invested in mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and fostering inclusive professional environments.
As a member of the Board of Managers, I would seek to support the Society’s mission to Create, Inspire, and Educate by helping expand opportunities for professional development, encouraging dialogue between industry and education, and strengthening connections among VFX professionals working in Spain and abroad. I am particularly interested in initiatives that increase engagement through talks, workshops, and community events, while highlighting Spain’s growing presence in the global VFX landscape.
I would be honored to serve the Section by contributing experience, collaboration, and a long-term commitment to the growth and vitality of the VES community.
Alonso Varela
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Founder & CEO / VFX Supervisor
Candidate Statement:
After 30 years in the global VFX industry, working across four continents, I am running for the VES Spain Board to share my experience and help inspire, strengthen, and elevate Spain’s growing VFX community and its international presence worldwide!!
Peter Gagnon
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: VFX & ICVFX Supervisor
Candidate Statement:
Spain is at a rare inflection point for visual effects, virtual production, and filmmaking at large. We have a deep, storied filmmaking history, world-class crews, and a culture that has always thrived on creative problem-solving, the exact traits needed in an industry undergoing rapid change.
As a VFX Supervisor and Virtual Production Supervisor working across international productions, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly our landscape is evolving. Tech cycles are shorter, pipelines are more fluid, and the traditional boundaries between production, post, and real-time are disappearing. Spain has always had the ability to adapt quickly, not by chasing trends, but by being smart, building wisely and respecting both craft and innovation.
My focus as a section board member would be to help strengthen Spain’s role as a global hub by fostering collaboration between artists, studios, technologists, and educators and bridging that gap internationally. That means supporting knowledge-sharing, advocating for sustainable production practices, and encouraging dialogue between traditional filmmaking disciplines and emerging tools like; AI, real-time engines, data capture, and virtual production. In additon, I would like to bring international filmmakers; Supes, Dops, Directors, Designers, and technologists here to Spain to share and collaborate with our section
The Visual Effects Society plays a critical role in shaping not just where our industry is today, but where it’s going next. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute experience, perspective, and energy toward building a resilient, inclusive, international, and forward-thinking VFX community here in Spain.
Marta Padilla
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Environment Supervisor with proven leadership guiding artists and teams to deliver high-quality, cinematic environments. Experienced in overseeing the 3D pipeline from concept art through asset creation and final shot production, look development, lighting, and final composition (LRC), ensuring both creative vision and technical quality are met. Known for initiative, problem-solving, and fostering collaboration across departments, driving projects forward while empowering artists to reach their full potential.
Candidate Statement:
I’m submitting my candidacy for the VES Spanish Section because I believe Spain is at a key moment to build a stronger, more connected, and more visible VFX community.
I’ve worked in visual effects across Spain, the UK, Canada, and Australia, collaborating with teams in very different production cultures and studio environments. These experiences have given me a practical, on-the-ground understanding of how our industry works, what professionals need to grow, and how valuable strong communities are for sharing knowledge and opening opportunities.
A core part of my work and values is advocating for equity and for better representation of women in VFX. I’ve actively supported mentorship, visibility, and access initiatives, and I care deeply about creating spaces where women can be seen, heard, and supported at every stage of their careers. Representation isn’t symbolic—it directly impacts the health, creativity, and sustainability of our industry.
As a Board Member, my focus would be on helping VES Spain become a hands-on, relevant, and inspiring hub, supporting education and talent development through talks, workshops and meetups, while strengthening connections between local professionals and the wider international VES network. I’m especially motivated to help showcase Spanish talent and encourage collaboration across studios and disciplines.
My international experience and collaborative mindset bring the commitment to placing Spain firmly on the global VFX map as a visible, competitive, and respected creative hub.
Cristina Bartolome
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Currently Final Layout Supervisor in Lightbox Animation
Candidate Statement:
I bring international experience and a strong interest in building community. I care about making the Spain VES Section feel more connected, active and growing.
While living and working in Vancouver, I was a member of the Vancouver Section, and that experience really stayed with me. What I liked most was how easy it was to feel part of the community. Events were relaxed, social and educational at the same time and people genuinely wanted to attend. It created a strong sense of belonging and I’d love to bring some of that mindset and those ideas to Spain, adapted to our own culture.
I enjoy connecting people and helping build bridges between artists, studios, students and institutions. I believe that growing the Section starts with making people feel welcome, represented and involved and that this approach can help the Board be more effective while staying true to our mission to create, inspire, educate and grow the Spanish Section.
In terms of ideas, my focus would be on bringing the community closer together. More local and informal events, from casual meetups to talks and small panels that can help people connect beyond their own studios or cities. That sense of connection is key to building a stronger and more active Section.
My goal is simple, to help VES Spain keep growing into a community people feel proud to belong to and excited to participate in.
Eduardo Iglesias
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Senior VFX Compositor at El Ranchito
Candidate Statement:
As a candidate for VES Spain Board of Managers my main goal is to help establish our newborn section. We need to create a basic structure within VES and, at the same time, grow bonds with local VFX community. This will help to set a continuous share of personal and profesional relationships.
Alejandro Rivas
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Board support
Candidate Statement:
I am a visual effects compositor with 10 years of experience in the industry, always eager to keep learning and help grow the VFX community in Spain. I enjoy interacting with top-tier artists, discovering new methods, and contributing to projects across the sector.
My key skills lie in communication: I love transmitting knowledge, learning from others, and generating content. As a VFX and compositing instructor, I thoroughly enjoy sharing these teachings with new generations—especially the experiences and insights I’ve gained in the field. I believe
I can support the Board by fostering cohesion, aiding the growth of Spain’s VFX and animation community, and creating an atmosphere of support, professionalism, and collaboration. Through the Society, I aim to help attract more work to Spain and build a vibrant, impactful BES Spain community.
David Ramirez
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: VFX Comp Supervisor
Candidate Statement:
I am passionate about strengthening the VES community in Spain and helping build a solid, inclusive, and forward-looking local section.
With experience in the VFX industry and a strong belief in collaboration, education, and knowledge sharing, I would like to contribute to connecting professionals, supporting emerging talent, and aligning the Spanish section with the values and standards of the Visual Effects Society worldwide
Gonzalo Carrión
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: GCE VFX, Executive & Business Consultant
Nexus Pixel Forge, Partner
Board Advisor at Do Technology
President, AEPA
Vice President, DIBOOS
Vice President, ALIA
Candidate Statement:
I am an Executive Producer and international VFX consultant with strong political and institutional connections in Spain, and deep ties across the audiovisual, animation, and visual effects industries. I actively participate in the collective bargaining table for the film, advertising, and television labor agreement, representing and safeguarding the interests of the sector.
My experience spans both small and large companies, giving me a clear understanding of the operational realities of boutique studios as well as the strategic and financial needs of major players. I am a specialist in audiovisual tax incentives for VFX-driven productions advising clients and companies to secure the incentive.
I also focus on the responsible integration of artificial intelligence in production environments, with expertise in governance, compliance, and ethical implementation. In parallel, I collaborate with universities and educational institutions, promoting knowledge-sharing and pride in a profession that continues to define and inspire our industry.
I want to actively drive the attraction of major international productions to Spain, ensuring they benefit from the country’s exceptional talent and that Spanish studios are fully prepared, well structured, and competitive at the highest international level.
Guillermo Algora Igual
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Compositing Supervisor / Lead / Senior Compositor
Candidate Statement:
I would like to postulate to the Section’s Board and offer my support in any capacity. After years of effort by many in showcasing Spain’s strength and immense growth of the visual effects sector in the region, I feel that it has come the time for everyone to get together under the newly created section and bound in continuing further the stablished trend by their fellow peers. I convinced that with my broad experience, energy, proactivity, and the willingness to help the community I can further strengthen the Section’s management in fulfilling its functions. We are living unparallel times for the industry in terms of challenges faced by economic and technological shifts, and it’s my believe that the strongest the community will be, the easier will be for everyone as a collective to support each other and navigate, steering as much as possible, the rewards and difficulties along the way. Now more than ever, we need a community that is as united and supportive as possible, and I believe that by serving on the board of directors of this section, I can contribute to it.
David Gacituaga Alarcon
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Head of FX – El Ranchito
With two decades of experience in Visual Effects, I currently lead the FX department for international productions, managing workflows and talent across global hubs (Canada/India/Spain). My focus combines high-end artistic supervision with strategic operational management.
Candidate Statement:
As a Head of FX managing dynamic workflows between Canada, India, and Europe, I have witnessed the evolution of our craft over 20 years. My background bridges the gap between creative execution and global production strategy.
I believe the VES is the perfect platform to Create opportunity and Inspire the next generation of FX artists. My contribution to the Board will be a pragmatic focus on “Future-Proofing” our members. I bring the experience of managing large-scale, international teams, which allows me to advise on the soft skills and pipeline knowledge that studios are desperately seeking today.
However, talent needs a thriving industry to flourish. To boost the Society’s value, I propose launching a “Destination Spain” initiative. We need to actively educate international clients on the competitive tax rebates and specific fiscal advantages available across different Spanish regions. By clarifying these benefits and promoting our infrastructure, we can attract more high-budget productions to the country. My goal is to help generate a solid, sustainable business ecosystem that ensures long-term stability for all our local members.
Guillaume Ruegg
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: CEO AArts Lab & Matchmovers
Candidate Statement:
With over 25 years in the VFX industry, my journey has spanned from technical roles on projects like Happy Feet, Predator, Avatar, The great Gatsby and The LEGO Movie to founding 3D Machmovers and Bernard.
My entrepreneurial journey founding 3D Machmovers a VFX company and more recently Bernard, a production management software has given me a unique dual perspective on both the creative and business landscapes. Being based in Madrid for the last 11 years, I have seen our local community’s incredible potential firsthand.
Over the past 15 years, attending festivals like SIGGRAPH, FMX, and Mundos Digitales has shown me how vital a strong, connected community is. I have always appreciated how the VES fosters these connections, and I would love to help bring that same spirit of camaraderie and professional exchange to our local section.
I am not seeking this role to lead from the front, but rather to listen and contribute to our collective growth. If elected, I hope to collaborate with you all to:
Support our local talent: I would be delighted to help organize informal screenings and talks to celebrate the great work produced here in Spain.
Foster studio synergy: I am interested in facilitating spaces where we can share management insights and encourage regional collaboration.
Guide the next generation: I wish to help strengthen our ties with schools to share our professional experiences with aspiring talent.
I would be honored to contribute to a friendly and supportive environment where every member can thrive together.
Juan Luis Sanchez Miguel
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: Visual Effects Supervisor
Candidate Statement:
I’ve spent almost 30 years as a Visual Effects Artist and Supervisor being an honest advocate for the needs of artists, asking tough questions on their behalf of the management of the studios where I’ve worked, and educating where I can for people to have the information to stand up for what they deserve.
I am excited to be a member of the newly formed Spanish branch of the VES and I look forward to making sure the world knows of the tremendous 3D artistry within Spain.
Elena Vitanza
Section Affiliation: Spain
Job Title or Description: CG Supervisor at Dneg
Candidate Statement:
I would be honoured to be considered as a Board Member of VES Spain. With over 15 years of experience spanning Fine Arts, Film, and the VFX industry, I believe I can contribute a valuable and fresh perspective to the Board.
Throughout my career, I have worked across multiple productions and disciplines, earning several screen credits and receiving an Annie Award nomination in 2018/2019. Alongside my professional work, I have consistently dedicated time to mentoring junior artists and teaching students, driven by a strong belief in knowledge-sharing and long-term talent development within our industry.
I am deeply committed to continuous learning and professional growth. In recent years, I studied filmmaking at the National Film and Television School (NFTS), and I am currently expanding my skills in photography and artificial intelligence—disciplines I consider increasingly essential to the future of VFX.
Based on my experience, I would actively support and promote mentorship and training initiatives within VES, with a particular emphasis on cinema history, art history, photography, and cinematography. These foundational subjects, in my view, are often absent from current VFX university curricula.
At a time of rapid technological change, it is crucial that VFX artists are recognised not only as technicians, but as artists—trained with a strong cultural, visual, and cinematic foundation—and that VFX is understood not merely as a technique, but as an integral art form within filmmaking, enabling artists to adapt and thrive in an evolving industry.