Oscar and BAFTA-winning VFX studio MPC, part of the Technicolor Group, has strengthened its global leadership team with key hires and strategic promotions.
Industry veteran Amy Jupiter joins MPC as Executive Vice President of Creative, Innovation & Strategy. Renowned for her talent in building and managing creative teams, Jupiter brings invaluable experience from Walt Disney Imagineering, Illumination Entertainment, Blue Sky Studios and Universal Studios, where she has collaborated with many of Hollywood’s top directors and producers. A multidisciplinary leader in visual effects, animation, and theme park attractions, she has earned VES Awards for Walt Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle of the Sunken Treasure and Avatar: Flight of Passage. In 2021, she founded By Jove: A Collective of Perspective, focusing on immersive narrative experiences and served as the creative producer for Virgin Galactic’s New Mexico Experience. She serves on the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards investigation and nominating committee.
In her role, Jupiter will work across the company’s creative, technology and production management leadership to continue MPC’s legacy of creating an environment that encourages collaboration and nurtures creativity and help drive the team’s collective approach toward achieving breakthrough solutions in visual effects.
“I am thrilled to join MPC! I have always been amazed by the breadth of films and television projects they have contributed to over the last two decades” says Jupiter. “But more than that, I have been impressed by their ambitious drive to push the boundaries of using innovative technology to create incredible worlds and characters which have captivated audiences around the world. I look forward to contributing to its future and collaborating with the team to help push the boundaries of visual storytelling.”
MPC has also announced key changes to its production leadership. Alexandra Daunt Watney and Luke Groves will step into the roles of Global Heads of Production, while Sal Umerji takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer.
Luke Groves brings 20 years of VFX experience, having served as Head of Studio and Executive VFX Producer at Mr. X. His notable credits include The Shape of Water, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Vikings: Valhalla and Wednesday.
Alexandra Daunt Watney also has 20 years of VFX experience, previously working at Framestore, Rising Sun Pictures, and Mill Film. She joined MPC in 2022 as SVP and General Manager of the Adelaide, Australia studio. Her credits include Finch, Captain America: The First Avenger, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Thor: Ragnarok.
In their new roles as Global Heads of Production, Groves and Daunt Watney will lead MPC’s worldwide production efforts. They will oversee the company’s VFX production pipeline, ensuring seamless operations and delivering innovative solutions to complex filmmaking challenges.
Sal Umerji brings over 20 years of experience across Advertising, TV, and Feature Films as a VFX Producer, Head of VFX, General Manager, and Global Operations Lead. His track record includes delivering large-scale projects and leading transformative initiatives in both the UK and India. His feature credits include Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The King’s Speech, Moon, and The Infiltrator.
As COO, he will continue to leverage his extensive expertise to enhance the studio’s global operations, streamline production processes, and foster innovation.
Andrea Miloro, Chief Business and Strategy Officer at MPC said “I am thrilled to welcome Amy and congratulate Alexandra, Luke, and Sal. Their exceptional talent and vision will be instrumental in strengthening MPC’s commitment to bringing the creative visions of filmmakers and showrunners to life.”
