Derek Zavada

Derek Zavada Email and Phone Number

Technology Director @ Down-Zero
Derek Zavada's Location
Long Beach, California, United States, United States
Derek Zavada's Contact Details

Derek Zavada work email

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About Derek Zavada

Experienced Chief Technology Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the motion pictures and film industry. Skilled in Neural Networks, VFX Pipeline and workflows and Nuke. Strong Production and Virtual Production. Information technology professional. California State University, Northridge.

Derek Zavada's Current Company Details
Down-Zero

Down-Zero

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Technology Director
Derek Zavada Work Experience Details
  • Down-Zero
    Owner
    Down-Zero Jan 2018 - Present
    Down-Zero is at the forefront of pioneering AI integration and innovation, dedicated to guiding enterprises through the transformative landscape of artificial intelligence. With a keen focus on bespoke consulting, we empower businesses to identify and harness the optimal AI applications that align with their unique needs and objectives. Our expertise extends beyond advisory to the hands-on development of cutting-edge AI tools designed for enhancing workflow efficiency and driving automation.As a trusted partner, we leverage the robust capabilities of AWS and Azure, ensuring our solutions are not only scalable but also seamlessly integrated within your existing infrastructure. Our team brings a wealth of experience across a broad spectrum of AI technologies, including OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and many more, enabling us to tackle challenges and deliver results that propel businesses forward.At Down-Zero, we believe in the transformative power of AI to redefine industries, and we're committed to unlocking that potential for our clients. Whether you're looking to refine your operational model, innovate your services, or automate complex processes, our tailored approach ensures you're equipped with the intelligence to lead in a digital-first world.
  • Afx Creative
    Technology Director
    Afx Creative Jan 2023 - Dec 2023
    Santa Monica, Ca, Us
    AFX CREATIVE IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIO BASED IN LOS ANGELES SPECIALIZING IN VISUAL EFFECTS, VIRTUAL PRODUCTION, OFFLINE, FINISHING AND COLOR.From concept to delivery, AFX Creative offers bespoke craftsmanship in post-production to realize solutions for every project, whatever the scale. We are a fiercely collaborative team of artists with an unwavering commitment to quality, empowering our clients to push into every corner of what’s possible.As Technology Director at AFX Creative, I spearheaded technological strategies and innovations. My expertise spans:* Leading the software pipeline team to streamline operations.* Designing robust cybersecurity protocols like Proofpoint for enhanced email security. * Helped design the company's physical virtual wall and work with the clients on the cost analysis of using it. * Developing a cloud rendering workflow, significantly boosting efficiency.* Maintain and manage storage systems. (ISILON and OpenZFS)* Managing the color pipeline workflow, ensuring precision in color grading.* Overseeing the color team proficient in Baselight and Resolve (ACES workflow).* Designing and maintaining a 2D workflow with Flame and Nuke.* Deploying a VMware cluster using Dell’s V-Rail technology for robust virtualization.* Executing cost management strategies in software licensing and rendering processes.* Developing KPIs for improved project cost and time estimation.I thrived in a Windows/Linux/Mac environment, emphasizing innovation and operational excellence. My role was pivotal in enhancing project delivery, reducing costs, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. My aim: to leverage technology for better efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
  • Chicken Bone Fx Studios
    Director Of Technology
    Chicken Bone Fx Studios Sep 2021 - Sep 2022
    Los Angeles, California, Us
    Chicken Bone FX Studios is one of the finest boutique VFX facilities globally employing up to 80 artists known for 2D technical prowess, highly photoreal FX and hard surfaces integration, and creative global workflow. Our team of VFX professionals has grown steadily over 12 years and is attached to some of the industry’s highest-profile series.As Director of Technology at Chicken Bone, I spearheaded the technological infrastructure, pipeline tools development, and design, focusing on innovative solutions and efficient workflows. Leading the migration from a private data center to a fully AWS-powered environment, I developed numerous custom automation tools to enhance operational efficiency.* Spearheaded Technological Infrastructure: Led the transformation of Chicken Bone's tech infrastructure and pipeline tools development, focusing on innovation and efficiency.* AWS Migration: Directed the migration from a private data center to a fully AWS-powered environment, including the development of custom automation tools.* Implemented and deployed Storage Solutions in the cloud. (pixitmedia and S3)* Pipeline Workflow Oversight: Oversaw the pipeline workflow, designing integrated 2D and 3D workflows, and developed custom ShotGrid tools and automation.* Cost Analysis and Reduction: Played a pivotal role in bidding, performed cost analysis, and implemented cost reduction strategies for cloud services.* AWS Deadline Rendering Revamp: Enhanced AWS deadline rendering processes with integrated data collection for Grafana, enabling real-time cost monitoring.* Team Management: Managed the software development and IT teams, ensuring seamless operations and innovation.* TPN Compliance and Cybersecurity: Maintained TPN compliance and bolstered internal and external cybersecurity measures, upholding high security standards.
  • Halon Entertainment
    Cto
    Halon Entertainment Apr 2018 - Jul 2022
    Santa Monica, Ca, Us
    Halon employs a core team of artists specializing in Storyboarding, VAD, Pitchvis, Previs, Postvis, Techvis, VFX, and Game Cinematics. Customizable and scalable to meet the specific needs of any production, we believe in dedicating a team to your project, ensuring creative continuity from start to finish.As Halon Entertainment's CTO I led the fusion of technology with creative vision, propelling us into the forefront of virtual production. I guided the IT and Development teams, pioneering software and hardware solutions that reshaped storytelling in Hollywood.* Virtual Cameras: Designed custom virtual cameras for directors, enhancing narrative depth and visual storytelling.* Maintain and deploy Storage Solutions such as open drives, GB labs, and isilon* Script Supervising Tool: Developed an innovative tool for Unreal Engine, automating QuickTime generation and client uploads, streamlining production workflows.* VR & AR Tools: Spearheaded VR and AR development for production, pushing the envelope of immersive storytelling.* Security & Compliance: Ensured Disney and MPAA certification, upholding the highest standards of project security.* KPI System: Implemented a KPI framework for precise budgeting and project tracking, optimizing resource allocation.* GitLab Integration: Led the adoption of GitLab in CD/CI workflows, improving development efficiency and code management.* Client Collaboration: Fostered strong relationships with clients and production teams, advising on custom tool development, cost estimation, and bidding strategies, ensuring project success.The Mandalorian: Contributed to the success of groundbreaking series like The Mandalorian, demonstrating the potential of LED volume in virtual production.My tenure as CTO has been marked by relentless innovation, commitment to excellence, and a visionary approach to integrating technology with art, driving Halon Entertainment to new heights in the entertainment industry.
  • Entity Fx
    Head Of Technology
    Entity Fx Jun 2015 - Apr 2018
    Us
    Entity FX is a leading visual effects studio creating digital imagery for feature films, 3D stereoscopic features, high-definition television and commercials.* In charge of Designing internal systems and applications.* Developed and designed custom pipeline applications using Python and QT.* Designed and set up deadline renderer for Maya After Effects and nuke.* Designed multi-location workflow for both rendering and automation to streamline workflow and increase performance by over 50%* Storage Solutions both high-speed NAS and fire Channel systems (isilon and Quantum)* Automated windows and Linux deployments using a variety of tools such as, Power shell, Ansible and Salt.* Set up their AWS Cloud rendering.* Designed and documented companies security infrastructure for Disney and MPAA requirements.* Maintained managed companies firewall infrastructure
  • Open Drives
    Senior Engineer
    Open Drives Jan 2014 - Jan 2017
    Culver City, California, Us
    OpenDrives has architected and brought to market highly performant enterprise storage solutions driven largely by what our customers tell us they need. They’re our main focus and the sole reason we strive to innovate through technical excellence.Our company was founded in 2011 by professionals in the media and entertainment industry who were trying to solve challenging data storage problems for their own M&E projects because leading storage vendors of the time weren’t doing so. Since that time, we’ve continued to outperform our competition, because we know that when we excel then so do our customers.* Develop and Design front end Node.js for user management maintenance and deployments.* Design and develop d-trace scripts for performance and Analysis functions* Help enables sales teams and clients to gain a deeper understanding of the client's requirements.* Develop documentation for both internal and external use.* Develop custom python to help support teams automate setup and deployment.
  • Hammerhead Productions
    Director Of Technology
    Hammerhead Productions May 2010 - Feb 2014
    Us
    Hammerhead Productions was founded in 1995 by Dan Chuba, Jamie Dixon, Thad Beier and Rebecca Marie. The company has a small permanent staff and an ever increasing pool of highly accomplished freelance artists.Hammerhead provides feature film visual effects, on-set supervision and animation services.Some of my duties and responsibilities Hammerhead wereOne of the tools I developed was a crowd system for nuke which allowed us to do all of the crowds in the movie 42 The Jackie Robinson story. This included everything from the camera workflow all the way into nuke.http://hammerhead.com/new_site/fortytwo/makingof/congaline.html* Hammerheads infrastructure comprised of 90% Centos Linux 5% Mac OS and 5% windows * Designed and maintained companies internal pipeline developing tools in Python and PyQt.* Maintained the company's storage solution. (isilon and open drives)* Designed and built companies internal shot tracking and bidding system. this was written in PHP, adobe coldfusion and MySQL.* Set up automation tools for software updates and deployment using salt and ansible.* Developed custom Maya and nuke plug-in tools including crowd simulation tool for nuke for the movie 42.* Set up deployed and trained company users on how to use an internal Wiki for documentation and tracking.* Develop and implement Cloud Computing strategy* Develop strategy for integrating GPU processing power into production* Keep up on the latest technical innovations* Liaise and negotiate with outside technical service providers / procurement’s* Designed a custom quality control system using tweaks RV to help speed up reviews by 90%.
  • Mechnology
    Visual Effects Producer
    Mechnology May 2008 - May 2010
    Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead (TV Movie) (visual effects producer) (2009)Hatching Pete (TV Movie) (visual effects producer) (2009) Into the Blue 2: The Reef (Video) (visual effects producer) (2009) Southland (TV Series) (visual effects producer) (2009)Sonny with a Chance (TV Series) (visual effects producer) ( 5 episodes) (2009)Sketchy Beginnings (2009) ... (visual effects producer)The Slammin' Salmon (visual effects producer)The Crooked Eye (Short) (technical consultant)Without a Trace (TV Series) (visual effects producer) (2 episodes)The Middleman (TV Series) (visual effects producer) (10 episodes)https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3072460/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
  • Reel Fx
    Senior Production Engineer
    Reel Fx 2009 - 2010
    Dallas, Tx, Us
    Reel FX Animation has created animated content in feature films, television, and groundbreaking entertainment for over 25 years. That experience and passion for animation shines in every frame we produce. Our 500+ team in Dallas, Montréal, and Hollywood has perfected the art of cross-studio collaboration.Original films The Book of Life, Free Birds, and the latest, Rumble, illustrate our longstanding creative obsession. Our artists have received the most prestigious accolades in the industry, including Academy, Golden Globe, Emmy, Annie and Clio Awards.
  • Yu+Co
    It Manager
    Yu+Co 2007 - 2008
    Hollywood, Ca, Us
    yU+co is a Hollywood-based innovation studio crafting dynamic digital content. We are a creative collective of designers, animators, producers, writers, filmmakers and programmers using our storytelling and technology expertise to create impactful, award-winning work and event experiences.We push the boundaries of design while shattering the conventions of format. We believe design is no longer constrained by dimension or aspect; only by imagination.From film title design to VR, we create content for traditional and unconventional formats, a discipline we’ve been developing for two decades. With offices in Hollywood, Hong Kong and Shanghai, yU+co continues to offer boutique style creative and production services, collaborating closely with clients to achieve the most effective end product.
  • Threshold Animation Studios
    It / System Admin
    Threshold Animation Studios 2003 - 2006

Derek Zavada Skills

Visual Effects Post Production Nuke Maya Compositing Photoshop Computer Animation After Effects Digital Compositing Animation Film Feature Films Lighting Commercials Premiere Linux Microsoft Office Html Os X Final Cut Pro Television Computer Graphics Rendering System Administration Motion Graphics Mac Os X Mysql Python Deadline Render Wireless Networking Network Design Network Engineering Network Security Mental Ray Deep Learning Machine Learning Neural Networks Tensorflow

Derek Zavada Education Details

  • California State University, Northridge
    California State University, Northridge

Frequently Asked Questions about Derek Zavada

What company does Derek Zavada work for?

Derek Zavada works for Down-Zero

What is Derek Zavada's role at the current company?

Derek Zavada's current role is Technology Director.

What is Derek Zavada's email address?

Derek Zavada's email address is dz****@****ail.com

What schools did Derek Zavada attend?

Derek Zavada attended California State University, Northridge.

What skills is Derek Zavada known for?

Derek Zavada has skills like Visual Effects, Post Production, Nuke, Maya, Compositing, Photoshop, Computer Animation, After Effects, Digital Compositing, Animation, Film, Feature Films.

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