FIN is excited to announce its strategic expansion with the acquisition of Cumulus VFX, leading to the transformation of Cumulus VFX to FIN Ballina.

This strategic move further expands the capabilities of FIN and its partners in VFX collective, Dream Machine, signalling a further commitment to offering diverse, high-quality visual effects services worldwide and reflecting the group’s dedication to embracing diverse talents and unique, creative-rich environments.

FIN Ballina is situated in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. Ballina and its neighbouring town of Byron Bay enjoys the tranquil, yet vibrant atmosphere of its coastal location, aligning with Dream Machine’s philosophy of nurturing talent in inspirational settings.

“The integration of FIN Ballina signals a transformative phase in our growth. We’re creating more than just workplaces; we’re fostering communities where innovation thrives.”

Chris Spry, Managing Director of FIN

With the inclusion of FIN Ballina’s 40-strong team, the collective headcount of FIN Design + Effects surpasses 200 in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and capacity for undertaking larger, more diverse projects. This expansion underscores FIN’s commitment to being at the forefront of the VFX industry, bolstering its resources to cater to an ever-expanding global market and further capitalise on their existing relationships with Hollywood. 

Visual Effects Supervisor and Founder of Cumulus VFX, Will Gammon, is to be appointed to the role of Executive Creative Director at FIN. He shared his vision, “It’s an exhilarating moment to join FIN. I’ve long admired the level of creativity, innovation, and dedication that FIN brings to every project. Their reputation for excellence is well-deserved, and I believe that together with the talented team here in Ballina, we can take this to even greater heights. We have always strived to create visual effects that not only meet but exceed expectations, and with the resources and support of FIN, I am confident that we can achieve this and much more.”

FIN Head of VFX, Alastair Stephen, commented, ‘We’re delighted to welcome Will and the team from Ballina to the FIN family. They could not be a better fit. Their impressive roster of artists and consistent, high-quality work align perfectly with our vision and commitment to excellence. This expansion adds to our pool of exceptional talent that we’ve prioritised on maintaining, our consistency of crew is our super power, and the merging of these two incredible teams bolsters our ability to respond to increasing demand for our services. As we transition the studios I am excited to see what we can accomplish together. This is a new chapter for us, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.'”

David Li, Managing Partner of Arenova Capital and Dream Machine, further elaborated, “The establishment of FIN Ballina is not just an expansion; it’s a strategic move that aligns with our vision of creating a network of studios that are artistically diverse and geographically spread out. We believe in the power of diversity and the unique perspectives it brings, and by bringing in talents from different parts of the world, we are broadening our creative horizon. This acquisition is a significant milestone in our growth journey, and we’re excited about the opportunities it presents”.