Alison O'Brien is a Visual Effects and Animation professional with 30 years of experience. Alison was raised in Ireland, where she studied Ceramics and Graphic Design before moving to the UK, where she pursued her studies in Software Engineering, Programming and Desktop Publishing.

Alison began her career as a runner at ‘The Computer Film Company’ (now ‘Framestore’) in London, where her strong sense of organization coupled with her artistic talent, resulted in a rapid move up the ranks. Six years after starting as a runner at the company, she became their Head of FX and Director of Production.

Alison moved to Los Angeles to further her career, where she worked for Paramount as Visual Effects Producer on MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2.  After her impressive work on MI2, Paramount hired Alison back to act as both Visual Effects Supervisor and Producer on ZOOLANDER and VANILLA SKY.  At the request of the studio, she performed both roles on both movies simultaneously.  Alison earned a reputation within her peers for having one of the “best eyes in the business” and made an impact for being one of the first females to be hired by a studio as a Visual Effects Supervisor.

Following this, Alison worked in Visual Effects Supervisor and/or Producer roles for multiple companies including Paramount, Cruise/Wagner, Constantin Film, Weinstein Company, Lionsgate and Walden Media.

Alison developed a strong relationship with Walden Media after she was hired to take over the VFX Producer role on JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH. The project was deep into production, and far behind. Alison was able to deliver the project 3 months after she came onto it, and 4 days ahead of schedule.

Following her notable work on JTCE, Walden hired Alison to oversee their stereoscopic conversion on THE CHRONOCLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER, when it was severely behind schedule.  Alison brought them back on track, a testament to her skill and perseverance at getting rogue projects back on schedule.  This work began Alison’s strong relationship with Walden and she was their go to person for visual effects methodology breakdowns and budgets until they closed their production offices in 2013.

Since 2013, Alison has spent 9 years working on MGM movies. They first hired her as VFX Producer on POLTERGEIST.  Some months before the final delivery, MGM offered her the opportunity to move over to their other project CREED, as VFX Supervisor and Producer, which she accepted and completed while finishing her work on POLTERGEIST.  MGM brought Alison back to take over on BEN HUR, which was headed for a schedule push. She quickly implemented adjustments and oversaw the completion of the work, saving the schedule.

In recognition of Alison’s abilities, MGM then gave Alison the opportunity to be their Producer on THE ADDAMS FAMILY, their first animated film, which she delivered in a record time and to rave reviews.

On The Addams Family, Alison was the main point of contact for MGM Production, the only producer on the film with extensive knowledge of both financial and creative aspects of the film. Alison was instrumental in not only negotiating the overall contract with the animation facilities but also creating the overall workflow for both the production team, as well as the animation facility.  She was responsible for the overall budget of the film and maintaining the cost of the production within the parameters the studio has approved.  Additionally, Alison was the producer tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the film was delivered within the predetermined release date.  Oversight of the delivery encompasses every aspect of producing on the film, from concept art and storyboards, through animation and lighting, to final approvals, color timing and the finished product of 2D and 3D DCP’s, as well as international deliverables.

Alison was able to deliver The Addams Family for MGM and brought it in both on schedule and on budget. Her work on The Addams Family was such a success, she was brought back on board and produced The Addams Family 2.

Since The Addams Family franchise, Alison has worked as a Producer for Netflix Animation and consulted for Disney+ on projects such as The Naughty Nine and Sneakerella.  She continues to consult for various clients on Visual Effects, Animation and Hybrid projects.