ABOUT
VFX Supervisor Stephen "Steph" Coren is a seasoned industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience. His expertise seamlessly blends hands-on, on-set practical knowledge with deep technical proficiency in visual effects, enabling him to deliver stunning visuals across film, television, and emerging media.
In the mid-90s, Steph founded and led a successful London-based VFX and Animation Boutique ( Drum ) , producing hundreds of high-profile commercials for blue-chip brands.
Not only does Steph bring a wealth of filming techniques & experience but he is a keen believer in pragmatic Creative Management. Thus driving projects forward to get every penny on the big-screen.
With a thorough understanding of all the Stages of a Production from Development, Concept, Shoot Production, Editorial and Post, Steph knows exactly where to source High-end visual effects solutions that align with both the Creative Vision and Budget constraints.
As a VFX Supervisor Steph has worked on a his fair share of Oscar winning films and has won multiple Awards for VFX
His recent credits include …
The Rig - S01 & S02
A Discovery of Witches S02,
The Ash Lad - In Search of the Golden Castle
War of the Worlds
Mortal
"My objectives...
to work on technically challenging, visually compelling projects.
I care deeply about the narrative of a project and strive to achieve the vision of its storytelling team."
'I had the pleasure of working with Steph on two movies, The Autopsy of Jane Doe and Mortal, and both I and the films benefited greatly from his solutions oriented attitude, vast knowledge as well as his understanding of balancing physical and digital effects.
His care and patience was a highly appreciated treasure for me personally.
He shot out most of the Helicopter, Drone and some Second Unit. As well as covering the Underwater directing for me on Mortal!'
Director | Writer | Producer
'I’ve known Stephen for over 20 years and I have to say he's one of the most talented VFX Supervisors I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
He has a unique gift in finding workable solutions to realise a director’s vision to screen. What I respect about him is his breadth of knowledge over the whole gamut of the film making and VFX process. This allows him to see the bigger picture and become an integral part of the overall production to solve challenges be they creative or budgetary.
He’s also a lot of fun!'
VFX Producer
'Steph's exceptional abilities and charming personality make him a pleasure to work with.
He respects the script, the schedule and the budget.
The full package!
He has become not only a great work colleague, but also a great friend.'
1st AD / UPM / PM / VFX 1st
"Stef and Anthony led from the front delivering high end VFX on an over-ambitious schedule that was constantly challenged by the Covid Pandemic.
They collaborated with passion, drive and good humour at all times despite the ever shifting sand beneath their feet.
Their creativity was inspiring and their attention to detail beyond impressive. The contribution they made to the overall storytelling was vital in taking an established show to a whole new level"
Lead Director | Exec Producer
'Stephen Coren - Super lovely. Fantastic trouble-shooter. Great Creative. GETS IT DONE!
Steph is possessed of fantastic creative energy and focus that reassures and drives a production through. He is just fantastic onset. Years of experience shine through. He's been my wingman on a few shows and has been incredibly clever in pulling lots of VFX rabbits out of VFX hats for the creative and budget solutions.
Could say a lot more but the first 11 words here are a pretty good indication of why you need to talk to him...'
VFX Producer
'Steph is a highly creative and passionate filmmaker.
A deep thinker, problem solver and incredibly knowledgeable, he is as comfortable onset as he is in a grading suite.
A strong HOD, who is well organised and consistently thinks ahead; always having a sense of humour even in the most challenging of situations.
I know from experience, he will go to extraordinary lengths to achieve the desired vision and will push to get the best out of everything.'
VFX Producer
"Steph is this amazingly multi-talented VFX Supervisor and also the most down to earth, hard working and lovely person. He has the most incredible attention to detail and will only accept excellent work from Vendors. He works well with Directors and Executive Producers, talking those with less knowledge through the whole process and patiently answering all questions. When we hit a problem, Steph was always right by our sides helping us solve it without having to compromise on creative vision. Steph pulled together the best VFX team to work with too, all of them lovely, hard working and also fun to be around. He is also a wonderful asset to have on set, keeping us right in a calm and methodical way."
Series Producer - The Rig S01 & S02
"Steph joined our show early in the making of Series One and, through his vast knowledge and considered, inventive and professional approach, quickly established himself as a key member of the creative leadership team. Working very closely with myself and our directors across both series, he artfully shaped the many contrasting and complex visual elements of the world of the show, from vast landscapes and structures, to organic, story and character-focused creature design. As a writer, I found his focus on tone, feeling and character within VFX particularly rewarding, giving me the confidence to stretch my own ideas into their most ambitious forms. He's also great fun and looks after his team with admirable care and kindness. If you want the best, he's your guy."
Writer | Exec Producer
"I was fortunate enough to work with Steph on The Rig Series 2. Steph was an excellent communicator, both towards myself and the studio, and also to the Production team and vendors. I always knew where the challenges and successes were, so was able to manage and support from my side of things. I considered him to be a very safe pair of hands for what was a significant show for the Amazon UK team.
And beyond that, he is a pleasure to know and spend time with. I look forward to the next time we get to work together."
Amazon VFX Executive | European Originals
'Stephen was drafted in at the last moment on a fairly complicated action shoot. His ability to listen, assess and creatively address the director's vision with vfx solutions was invaluable both for the budget and also for increasing production value.
Stephen is simply indefatigable, a zen of no-nonsense, can-do attitude. I look forward to working with him again, sooner rather than later.'
Roopinder Sood
Production Manager - Nenokkadine
'Stephen is a must on-set. Calm, professional, with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Work with Stephen once and you won't want to work without him again.'
Giulia Salvadori
Line Producer - Nenokkadine
'Stef Coren was our VFX Supervisor on both series of THIS IS JINSY.
Without him, I can honestly say that we would never have got it done. He brought his experience of working for Peter Jackson to our low budget show, but never skimped on the detail, quality or creativity. It was extremely challenging work, but his deep well of patience and his desire to give the director and lead talent what they wanted came through in the end.
The results speak for themselves. It is largely thanks to him that we got the look, tone and feel we were aiming for with the VFX, and now have two series of which we are extremely proud.'
James Dean
Producer Jinsy
'I've had the pleasure of working with Stephen both as a facility based VFX Supervisor and later as my client on many occasions.
Stephen draws from his broad experience in his days as a talented CG artist to design and implement visual effects to best utilise any budget, providing productions with the best on screen visuals to tell their story.
He's always full of ideas and he's one of nicest and calmest guys you could wish to meet!'
Nick Drew
MD & Executive Producer
Milk Visual Effects
'We worked with Stephen Coren on HUMMINGBIRD.
He has a fantastic creative eye and is extremely detail orientated, making him a well rounded VFX Supervisor.
Our whole team loved working with Stephen and his organisation skills made the job run smoothly and efficiently. He was a pleasure to work with!'
Helen Hugues
Head of Production
Framestore
'We worked with Stephen Coren as Visual Effects Supervisor on the second series of THIS IS JINSY for Sky Atlantic.
Stephen was a joy from start to finish, consistently bringing creative solutions to a challenging show which makes ambitious demands of its relatively modest budget.
He was an inspirational and good-humoured leader of a dedicated VFX team. We look forward to working with him again.'
Margot Gavan Duffy (Producer)
Philippa Catt (Head of Production, Comedy and Entertainment)
Tiger Aspect Productions
'Stephen Coren and I worked together on a project for Jim Henson's Creature shop in 2005. Stephen's professionalism, humour, dedication and exceptional technical ability made the process one of the most enjoyable of my career, so far.
When I needed an Executive Producer, VFX at BSkyB in 2008, he was the only person on my list. We worked through a challenging set up for This is Jinsy and the mine-field that is broadcast television.
Stephen makes VFX simple, efficient and enjoyable. He sees issues before they happen, encourages collaboration and involves everyone in the process. Stephen is confident in making decisions and totally knows what will work and what won't.
I would work with him again in a heartbeat - just need to dream up another job for us both.'
Sarah Cloutier
Client Services Director
Invisible Artists Sydney