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Boutique visual effects and design studio Shape+Light relaunches as Shepherd, and is expanding to have a bi-coastal presence with the opening of a new outpost in New York.
Shepherd is also welcoming new leadership in both its New York and Santa Monica offices, bringing an infusion of international creative chops from some of the industry’s leading VFX and design studios. Shepherd’s New York team will be led by Executive Producer Julia Paskert and Creative Director Andrew Granelli, with support from Senior Flame Artist Yoshiko Hirata. Additionally, Shepherd’s Santa Monica office has grown with the addition of Crystal Rossmann as Executive Producer, and the promotion of Emily Irvine to Creative Director.
“Top agencies and brands trust us to shepherd them through post-production, often a highly complex process, which inspired our new name,” said Cara Lehr, Managing Director, Shepherd. “We’ve already begun working in New York where clients appreciate our collaborative approach and close-knit team. The increasing demand in New York, alongside our consistent growth and success in Los Angeles, showed us that now is the perfect time for us to officially expand. We’re thrilled to have Julia and Andrew at the helm in New York, and to begin a new chapter as Shepherd.”
Shepherd’s New York office is in Soho, co-located with sister brand Cabin Editing Company. Shepherd’s growing New York team has recently delivered major global campaigns for Google, McDonald’s, Volkswagen, Ford, and WhatsApp.
Julia Paskert, Executive Producer (New York)
Paskert joined Shepherd earlier this year as Executive Producer and has helped to spearhead the company’s new outpost in New York. Bringing 12 years of experience in the VFX and finishing world, she most recently served as Executive Producer at Method Studios, with previous gigs at Company 3, The Mill, and Digital Domain. Throughout her career she has brought a collaborative spirit to the industry’s leading ad agencies, production companies, directors, and brands to ensure elevated and cohesive visual storytelling. Her natural leadership abilities have led to a loyal following from both artists and clients. She holds a degree in Film Studies from Cornell University, and in her spare time, she’s amusing her son with the world’s best chicken impression.
Andrew Granelli, Creative Director (New York)
Granelli is a savvy and collaborative creative director, on-set VFX supervisor, and Flame artist with over two decades of experience in the ad industry. He deftly combines artistry with technical knowledge to tackle a variety of VFX challenges and put clients at ease. Granelli leads Shepherd’s newly-opened New York office as the Creative Director, leveraging his extensive experience to help establish the company on the East Coast. Over the years he has worked with many leading brands including Citibank, Walmart, Infiniti, Heineken, American Express, Nintendo, Head & Shoulders, Mountain Dew, GMC, Olay, Toyota, Bounty, and more. Prior to joining Shepherd, he spent eight years at Harbor Picture Company, with previous experience at Click 3X, TANQ, and Nice Shoes. Outside of work, Granelli fuels his creativity by playing piano and drums with a local music group.
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Yoshiko Hirata, Senior Flame Artist (New York)
Originally from Japan, Hirata has built an impressive career across film, television, and commercials since moving to the U.S. in 2001. She has worked on the hit television show Smallville, films including Charlie Wilson’s War and The Goldfinch, and numerous brand clients including Pamper’s, Swiffer, Wal-Mart, CVS, Tide, Citibank, and Revlon. She joined Shepherd in early 2024, after most recently working at Harbor Picture Company as a Senior Flame Artist. Hirata is also a member of the Visual Effects Society. Based in New York, she enjoys biking around the city, cooking, and playing with her son.
Emily Irvine, Creative Director (Los Angeles)
Irvine has been creating elegant visuals for nearly two decades, specialising in beauty work across commercials, music videos, short form, TV, and film. Originally from Australia, she began her career in London at boutique post studio Big Buoy and later Prime Focus, before moving to Los Angeles to join Method Studios. After eight years at Method, Irvine joined Shepherd in 2021 as a Senior Flame Artist, recently working her way up to Creative Director alongside Aidan Thomas and Aaron Neitz. She has worked with numerous clients throughout her career including Olay, Dove, Lancome, Glossier, Grey Goose, Absolut, Corona, Patron, Taco Bell, DoorDash, Chevrolet, and the California Lottery. She has also worked on many celebrity-driven campaigns with talent such as Keira Knightley, Madonna, George Michael, and Janet Jackson
Crystal Rossmann, Executive Producer (Los Angeles)
Rossmann joined Shepherd as Executive Producer full time in 2023 after several years of collaboration as a freelancer. She has a strong background in visual effects, design, and animation through her experience as a producer at Method Studios and Company 3, where she worked on projects spanning film, commercials, and music videos. She has also worked as a VFX Production Manager on various film and television projects for Netflix, Amazon Studios, and Disney, including the limited series “All the Light We Cannot See.” Originally from Colorado, Rossmann is now based in Los Angeles where she loves any chance to be outdoors or to enjoy a tasty meal.
