A prodigious talent, Tommy Smith is excited to join creative studio Carbon as VFX Supervisor. He’s welcomed by a team of stellar artists, many of whom he has worked with over his long career. “I joined Carbon because I love the way they work. I can utilize my wide range of skills across both 2D and 3D,” says Tommy. “I also joined because I love the energy of a thriving and growing company! After researching their brand, I saw that the vibe is in line with my personal style and interests, including VFX, live action, and CG. Looking deeper into the team, I learned I had worked with quite a few of the artists during my time in NY & LA, and would love to work with them again because frankly, they rock and are badasses!”

With more than 15 years experience working at top studios including Psyop, The Mill, and Method, Tommy is known for his artistic eye and creative problem-solving abilities. There was even a two year stint with Apple as Creative Director across bleeding-edge technology projects. “Tommy is incredibly talented and versatile,” says Carbon Executive Producer Matt McManus. “The experience he has on large iconic projects and his problem solve first attitude fit right in with the culture at Carbon. We are thrilled he’s joining us and know that his leadership will be a huge asset, to both our clients and in house directors at Carbon.”

As a VFX Supervisor, Tommy skillfully leads teams of artists while building trust with clients and directors. On set and in the studio, he is known as an incredible solver of creative puzzles and his varied background as a 3D Lighting Artist, Nuke Artist, Flame Artist, and VFX Supervisor makes him an excellent collaborator. He constantly aims to surpass client expectations and make the impossible feasible – something he has done for many top brands including Audi, Levi’s, Nike and Squarespace. As well as Jose Cuervo, where he was VFX Supervisor on the explosively apocalyptic ‘Tomorrow is Overrated’ from Ringan Ledwidge.

No stranger to award wins, Tommy’s VFX work has been honored at ADC, AICP, Andy’s, Clios, D&AD and LIA, amongst others. Most recently, Tommy achieved accolades working as VFX Supervisor with Prettybird director Calmatic on the hugely popular ‘Old Town Road’ from Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus, winner of Best Music Video at the Grammys and the 2021 Grand Prix winner at Cannes Lions.

A true creative at heart, Tommy believes in approaching every challenge by being genuine and himself. “I learned early on in life that kindness, inclusiveness, being a good listener and having a positive attitude lead to lasting and productive relationships,” says Tommy. “A sense of humor also helps. To me, there is nothing better than when everyone’s ideas and efforts come together to create. Especially when things look difficult or even impossible, then there is that magical moment when they come together and form something fantastic!”

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Check it out on Stash, Shots, and LBB.

By Sam Gierasimczuk




By Tim Little






By Ben Girdwood



By Sam Gierasimczuk








By Sam Gierasimczuk

By Sam Gierasimczuk

By Sam Gierasimczuk

By Sam Gierasimczuk

By Sam Gierasimczuk

Full-service creative studio Carbon has bolstered its roster in Chicago by welcoming multiple award-winning colorist Julien Biard as Senior Colorist.

With over a decade of experience in London, Biard joins Carbon after honing his craft in London at MPC and Finish/ Freefolk, working alongside industry greats Jean-Clément Soret and Paul Harrison. During his tenure at Freefolk, Biard won a number of awards for best color grading, collaborating with directors such as Guy Ritchie and Crowns & Owls, ultimately helping to cement his reputation in a highly competitive market. Looking for a new challenge, Biard went freelance in 2017, continuing to work for premier directors at major production companies like Agile, Iconoclast and Pulse Films.

Born and educated in the Alps region of France, Biard initially pursued a promising soccer career, until, in his late teens he turned towards academic study, graduating in 2005 from the engineering school of Lyon. Throughout his prolific career, which includes commercials, fashion films, music videos and film/tv work, Biard has collaborated with many renowned brands including Volvo, Samsung, The National Trust, Carhartt, and Ted Baker. His music video credits include promos for Run the Jewels, Basement Jaxx, Royal Blood, and Jungle, to name a few. He was awarded two Kinsale Shark awards for best color grade for Royal Blood “Out of the Black” by David Wilson at Blink, and National Trust “Love the Coast” by Thomas Bryant at Agile Films. Another best color award for Ted Baker “Wonders Never Cease”, by Iconoclast directors Crowns & Owls, was bestowed at the Berlin Aesthetica short film festival, and he provided color for the 2015 Cannes Double Grand Prix-winning Volvo “Life Paint” for Grey London.

“Our Head of Color Aubrey Woodiwiss recommended Julien to me,” says Carbon Partner/ Executive Producer Frank Devlin. “When we met in New York we hit it off immediately, I knew he’d be a great addition to our color department.” On his decision to join Carbon’s stellar color team Biard says: “I found myself attracted to the spirit and dynamism of Carbon, the quality of the work achieved, and their association with some of the most prestigious advertising campaigns in the industry. What I saw in Carbon was a company packed with talent and creative minds, combined with huge experience.”

In addition to the exciting career opportunities on the horizon, Biard is looking forward to exploring a new city landscape and getting into the great American outdoors. “When I first came to Chicago I got a really good vibe from the city. I can’t wait to explore, and dive deeper into both the city and the work. I’m attracted to Chicago’s dramatic and intricate urban landscapes as well as its history, and I’m very much looking forward to experiencing it fully.”

According to Carbon Managing Director Phil Linturn, Biard’s unique experience and magnetic personality will bring their own significant value to the company. “An artist of Julien’s pedigree at Carbon Chicago effectively changes the landscape of color grading in the city,” says Linturn. “Trained in arguably one of the most highly acclaimed color departments in the world, Julien has forged a highly creative and decorated career for himself. I’m equally excited for our clients to get to experience his enthusiasm for his craft as I am for them to witness his grading skills.”