Jeffrey A. Okun

JEFFREY A. OKUN...

Is known for creating visual effects that blend seamlessly into the storytelling aspect of the project, has won the VES AWARD for OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING  VISUAL EFFECTS for his work on THE LAST SAMURAI.  He has been nominated several other times for the VES Award and numerous other awards.

Jeff has also delivered wide-ranging effects in such award winning films and television shows as COSMOS: Possible Worlds, ALPHA, BLOOD DIAMOND, STARGATE, SPHERE, RED PLANET, DEEP BLUE SEA, LOLITA, and THE LAST STARFIGHTER, among many others. Okun created, and along with colleague Susan Zwereman, edited the VES HANDBOOK OF VISUAL EFFECTS - A 980 page reference book covering all aspects of visual effects technique and practices.  The book won the PROSE award in 2010.  The 3rd edition hit the shelves in July 2020.

His background also includes editing and visual effects work on award winning music videos and long form projects from such varied artists as Sting, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Janet Jackson, Wayne Newton, Bryan Adams, Amy Grant, Dolly Parton, Prince, Michael Jackson, the Neville Brothers and Rod Stewart, among others.

Okun also created the revolutionary visual effects techniques dubbed the "PeriWinkle Effect" (an underwater blue screen technique) and the "Pencil Effect (accurately predicts the final visual effects count and budget).
Jeff is currently serving as the 1st Vice-Chair of the Visual Effects Society (a position he has held 12 times over the years), served as Chair of the Society for 7 non-consequtive years, and was the Founding Chair of the VES Awards.

He is a respected member of the Visual Effects Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (currently serving on the VFX steering committee), the Academy of Television Arts and Science, and an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

Role with the VES

Chair of the VES (2006-2007, 2009 - 2015). "YOU are the VES: Step up, Be heard, Make a Difference."Vice-Chair of the VES ( 2003 - 2006) and (2016-19). Creator and Founding Chair of the VES Awards Committee and Program (2003 ~ 2009)Creator and Co-Editor of VES Handbook of VFX - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Editions. Chair of the Los Angeles Section (2017-18). Past Chair, Co-Chair or member of: Strategic Plan Committees, Leadership Initiative Committee,Town Hall Committee, Production Summit Committee, Handbook Committee, Film Festival Committee, Technology Committee, Business Labor and Law Committee