More than smoke and mirrors, FatBelly VFX calls Queensland home

26 September, 2023

• Canadian company selects Brisbane for Australian headquarters 
• FatBelly to add to growing film and visual effects industry 
• FatBelly’s trailblazing female leadership takes on a traditionally male dominated field

Canadian boutique company FatBelly VFX has brought their expertise to a new studio in Queensland, which was launched with a fitting celebration this week. In the highly innovative field of film and television visual effects (VFX), FatBelly VFX specialise in live action productions and have worked with leading global streaming services including Netflix, Amazon and HBO. The female-led company selected Brisbane for their Australian headquarters because of Queensland’s generous suite of support for post, digital and visual effects (PDV). 

Queensland is one of the most competitive PDV destinations in Australia with Screen Queensland offering a PDV Incentive of 15 per cent, and threshold of $250,000, which can be combined with Federal incentives totaling up to 45 per cent of eligible expenditure. FatBelly’s seamless transition into the Australian market was driven by key strategic advice and introductions delivered by Trade and Investment Queensland and Austrade, coupled with valuable support from Screen Queensland. 

Brisbane’s leading talent pool was also an important factor in the decision and will be central in supporting FatBelly’s growth target of an additional 20 full time employees in coming years to expand the APAC film and VFX industry in the region. The strength and reputation of Queensland’s screen sector, along with the talent and great lifestyle saw Brisbane stand out ahead of other states. A priority for the female owned and operated business is to address the shortage of female representation in the creative and technical space of VFX. Credits attributed to FatBelly VFX include Sonic the Hedgehog 2, FATE The Winx Saga, Creed, Superman & Lois, and many more. 

Quotes attributable to Trade and Investment Queensland CEO, Justin McGowan:

“Queensland has positioned itself as the technological destination of choice in Australia, forging a reputation as the epicentre of growth for future industry. Trade and Investment Queensland’s dedicated innovation and technology team are constantly engaging with international companies looking to join the wave of this fast-moving sector and take advantage of the vast opportunities available. Our growing pool of talent, especially in the film, digital and postproduction sector, along with the best state incentives in the country provide a strong foundation for this fast-developing sector.”

Quotes attributable to Austrade’s Deputy CEO of Trade and Investment, Daniel Boyer:

“Australia has a world-leading digital games and VFX industry, and we’re excited to welcome FatBelly VFX to Australia. FatBelly VFX joins a truly innovative hub of Australian and international VFX companies that are creating incredible and sophisticated effects for film and TV and are using Australia as a base to provide services to the globe.  FatBelly VFX will benefit from competitive support from the Australian Government through the PDV offset that offers a 30 per cent refundable tax offset for qualifying Australian development expenditure, along with generous support from the State of Queensland.   

 Austrade works with state and territory agencies to make it easier for international studios to set up in Australia. Collaborating with Trade and Investment Queensland and Screen Queensland, our services enabled FatBelly VFX to fast-track their official opening and hire Australian staff sooner. We can’t wait to see the ground-breaking work FatBelly VFX will produce in Australia.”

Quotes attributable to FatBelly VFX founder and head of studio, Shannan Louis:

“FatBelly is beyond excited to be celebrating the launch of our office in Brisbane this week. Trade and Investment Queensland, Austrade, and Screen Queensland have provided FatBelly with enormous support. We are all on the same mission to enhance the industry and increase the quality of visual effects work coming out of Queensland and onto the world stage. We are boutique and adaptable to working with all budgets, FatBelly in Canada has been working directly with Hollywood. As a result, we have the proven infrastructure and robustness required with high levels of security, technology, and knowledge - and we’ve brought the same set up into Australia.

FAST FACTS

• FatBelly’s team is led by founder and head of studio Shannan Louis, an Australian-Canadian based in Vancouver.
• Brisbane’s office is led by general manager, Sally Barnett and all projects are managed by Louise Bertoncini, senior VFX producer.
• FatBelly’s Brisbane headquarters are located in West End.

About Trade & Investment Queensland: 

Trade and Investment Queensland is the Queensland Government's dedicated global business agency with 18 offices in 14 key markets, helping Queensland companies access international markets and facilitate foreign investments in the state. For more information visit Trade and Investment Queensland.