A behind-the-scenes look at DNEG London

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit DNEG London, one of the world’s leading VFX and animation studios located near Great Portland Street. The visit was organised by the Talent Development Team at Escape Studios, and I attended alongside a group of fellow students. As someone like me, who is pursuing a masters in 3D Animation, this visit felt like a rare and exciting chance to step directly into a world I hope to join professionally. 

Why DNEG? 

DNEG has always been a studio I’ve admired. Their work spans huge international productions and award-winning films, so the idea of seeing their creative spaces, hearing from their team, and learning how they bring stories to life was something I couldn’t wait for. I was especially looking forward to gaining a better understanding of their animation processes and learning more about how large teams collaborate so seamlessly on high-end projects. 

The event was organised and coordinated by Andrew Schlussel, Senior Director of Training and Development at DNEG, who welcomed us and made sure we had a full, insightful evening planned. 

The studio tour 

Before the main event began, we were taken on a guided tour through DNEG’s London studio. It was inspiring to look over the shoulders of artists as they worked on upcoming projects, some of which, understandably, had to remain secret. Still, even without specifics, watching professionals immersed in high-level animation and VFX work was motivating. 

The studio had a fascinating layout: 

• Dedicated rooms for different projects and departments 

• Collaborative breakout spaces 

• Shoot rooms and technical areas 

• An exclusive space for drawing live model portraits. 

Walking through the halls, I also enjoyed meeting new people, students, peers, and aspiring artists just like me. Many of them were incredibly talented, and it was wonderful to build new connections with individuals who share the same passion for animation. 

Screening: The Fantasies of the Rescue Dummy 

The highlight of the visit was the screening of Fantasies of a Rescue Dummy, a short film directed by Adrian Maganza. We were joined by Adrian himself, along with David Park, Head of Production at DNEG. Adrian shared the creative journey behind the film, its challenges, and how animation was combined with live action to bring an emotionally engaging story to life. 

The premise of the short film was surprisingly touching: a rescue dummy imagining someone coming to save him from the swimming pool. During the behind-the-scenes session, we learned how the team carefully chose which dummy to use and how they approached particularly tricky shots. One moment that stood out to me was how they needed to place a tiny droplet on the dummy’s eye to make it appear as though it was crying. It required patience, precision, and multiple attempts to capture the perfect shot. 

Adrian also spoke about the extended timeline of the project. Though the film was initially planned for completion in December 2024, the animation phase took much longer than expected, pushing the finishing date into this year. Hearing this was comforting; it reminded me that even seasoned professionals encounter unexpected challenges, and quality always takes priority. 

Insights and takeaways 

From the event, I gained a deeper understanding of how complex animation pipelines are structured in a professional environment. Seeing how DNEG teams collaborated across departments reinforced the importance of communication, discipline, and consistency, key skills I’m developing during my masters. 

And from the film, I was surprised by how much emotion could be drawn out of something as simple as a rescue dummy. It reminded me that storytelling isn’t limited by the character; it’s enhanced by creativity, thoughtful direction, and attention to detail. 

Beyond the technical insights, the visit left me feeling incredibly inspired. Meeting the Director, engaging in the Q&A session, speaking with David Park, and observing artists at work all made the industry feel more real and within reach. 

Closing thoughts 

This visit to DNEG was one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had during my time at Escape Studios. It not only deepened my understanding of animation and filmmaking but also strengthened my excitement for the career I’m building. I left the studio feeling more motivated than ever to refine my portfolio, sharpen my creativity, and continue learning from the incredible artists shaping the animation and VFX world. 

I’m truly grateful to the Talent Development Team, DNEG, and everyone involved for making this opportunity possible.