“Winter is Coming” – three iconic words that will forever be cemented in our TV vocabulary (talk about clever branding!). This can only refer to HBO’s Game of Thrones, winner of 59 Emmys and still one of the most talked about television dramas of all time. When GOT wrapped, we all assumed we’d seen the last of the Iron Throne. But this was not the end. Now in its second season, House of the Dragon keeps the legacy alive, thanks in part to 5 Vancouver Film School alumni!
Hailed as "utterly compelling and expertly crafted television" (The Wrap) and "bigger, bolder and bloodier than Game of Thrones" (The Independent), House of the Dragon officially has us programmed to be in front of our TV screens on Sunday nights. And while there are thousands to thank for returning us to Westeros, we at Vancouver Film School would like to personally congratulate our 5 alumni credited on this series!
5 Vancouver Film School alumni contributed to HBO’s House of the Dragon, showcasing their VFX, animation, and writing skills. The 5 alumni credited on House of the Dragon are from VFS's Film Production and 3D Animation & Visual Effects programs:
- Tobias Graa Winblad (Film Production)
- Priscilla Esquer (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Joao Lourenco (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Chrystia Siolkowsky (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
- Mario Brioschi (3D Animation & Visual Effects)
With a star-studded cast featuring Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, and more, House of the Dragon is a Game of Thrones prequel based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood. Set 200 years before Game of Thrones, this new series chronicles the history of House Targaryen, focusing on the Targaryen civil war known as the ‘Dance of the Dragons'. Exploring the complex dynamics of power, family, and loyalty within the Targaryen dynasty as they fight for control of the Iron Throne, House of the Dragon delves into political intrigue, epic battles, and the deadly consequences of the Targaryens' quest for power.
HBO’s House of the Dragon, featuring contributions from VFS alumni, won Best Television Series – Drama at the 2023 Golden Globes.(Rich Polk/NBC via Getty Images)We’re so delighted to see the flourishing careers of our Vancouver Film School graduates in Hollywood productions! We're pleased (but certainly not surprised!) to report these alumni have been crushing it in the industry! For starters, Tobias, Priscilla, Chrystia, and Mario have all built successful careers in Visual Effects; while Tobias has worked as a Production Coordinator/Manager on hits like Aquaman, Suicide Squad, and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Priscilla has worked as a Digital Compositor on titles like Hellraiser, Nope, & more. And while Chrystia, a Technical Lead/Director, had the honour of working on one of 2024's biggest successes, Dune: Part Two, in addition to Aladdin and Thor: Ragnarok, Mario's built a successful career as a Compositor on big projects like Avengers: Infinity War, Wonder Woman, and Netflix's Shadow and Bone. Finally, as a Lead Lighting Artist, Joao's built up his CV with titles like The Acolyte and Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One.
A round of applause for these brilliant alumni from this latest Vancouver Film School success story who have played an important role in House of the Dragon. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next! Want to start your creative career at a top creative school for careers in visual effects, animation, filmmaking and writing? Explore Vancouver Film School’s programs and join our alumni in shaping the future of entertainment. And, to learn about other Vancouver Film School graduates in Emmy-winning TV shows, read about our alumni’s recent wins at the 2024 Emmys.
FAQ
1. What specific role did each of these alumni have in House of the Dragon?
- Tobias Graa Winblad – Visual Effects Producer
- Priscilla Esquer – Digital Compositor
- Joao Lourenco – Key Lighting Artist
- Chrystia Siolkowsky – Crowd Lead
- Mario Brioschi – Compositing Supervisor
2. How did the training and education at Vancouver Film School prepare these alumni for their successful visual effects careers & animation and writing careers in TV?
Vancouver Film School prides itself on THE VFS ADVANTAGE, which sets it apart from all other creative arts schools:
- SUPERIOR CURRICULUM: VFS offers an unmatched 1-year training model, with master instructors pulled directly from the entertainment industry. Full-time instructors provide extensive one-on-one time, while part-time instructors bring current industry experience. Small class sizes optimize training, enhance networking, and guarantee personal attention. VFS’s curriculum is regularly updated and realigned to be in lockstep with the most current industry standards.
- A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO: Students build a powerful, multi-piece creative portfolio that will serve as their industry calling card as they begin their career.
- WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES: VFS students have access to cutting-edge facilities across 8 production centres from day 1. This includes film sets & studios, a 64,000 cubic ft. performance & motion capture volume, mixing labs & recording studios, a 180-degree green screen room, makeup labs, screening rooms & theatres, industry-standard software, and more. Students work with the same equipment and software being utilized by professionals across the creative industries.
- A NETWORK OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS: Students forge strong connections with classmates, with students from other VFS programs (for a comprehensive knowledge of the industry), and with working professionals from the creative industries – all of which will last a lifetime.
3. What projects are upcoming for these alumni?
Based on their impressive work experience and credits, these alumni are likely to be involved in high-profile projects in the entertainment industry. Given their experience and the success of House of the Dragon, they may continue to contribute their expertise on major film and television productions. Keeping an eye on industry news and updates from VFS alumni networks (such as IMDb or LinkedIn) would provide the latest information on the latest projects from these Canadian film school alumni working in Hollywood.