From Sweden to Mordor: Carl’s VFX Career Path at Cause and FX

For Carl, that was more than just a professional milestone. “I grew up deeply inspired with Lord of the Rings,” he says. “So, to work on the very last sequence of the series and have that shot come to me – especially so early in my career was incredible.”

But Carl’s story isn’t just about one dream fulfilled. It’s about a quiet confidence built over years of steady growth, creative contribution, and, more recently, leadership. And it starts long before Mordor.

From Game Design Class to Global VFX

Originally from Sweden, Carl first discovered Maya and After Effects in a high school Game Design class. That early spark led him to Media Design School in Auckland, New Zealand where he immersed himself in 3D art and compositing. After freelancing on music videos and indie films, including nine months on one feature, he found himself craving studio life and creative collaboration.

“I was living in a tiny apartment on Queen Street, working remotely. Every day felt the same. I needed to be around people again.”

That led him to Cause and FX, where he joined as a Junior Compositor. Right away, it was clear Carl brought more than technical skills. He quickly found himself contributing digital matte paintings (DMP) and jumping into complex sequences. On The Wilds, his DMP island became an asset later used by Wētā for reference.

Stepping Up

By the time Pera Palace landed at Cause and FX, Carl was ready to lead. “It was a small team, just four of us at the start, so I naturally stepped into that role,” he explains. “I was giving feedback, running shots, helping guide new team members. It just kind of evolved.”

Projects like Twisted Metal and Star Trek: Discovery soon followed, each with its own demands. While Twisted Metal broke records internally for shot volume, Discovery gave Carl the chance to refine shots without the pressure of an aggressive deadline, something he calls “one of the most fun projects I’ve worked on.”

Most recently, Carl helped lead both Before, a paramount production on streamed on Apple TV, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Season 3 at the same time, navigating the demands of dual projects while supporting new team members coming into lead roles. “That was a full-on season,” he admits, “but we made it work.”

Carl also notes Chief of War as a standout: a significant project and a major undertaking that showcases the team’s evolving scale and capability.

Growth, Leadership and Straight Talk

While Carl is soft-spoken, his leadership style is direct. “If I see something that’s not working, I say it,” he says. “Constructive feedback shouldn’t be scary. I think that honesty helps us grow faster.”

It wasn’t always easy. One of his earliest leadership experiences involved giving feedback to one of his former Media Design School tutors – a moment that forced him to step into his role with confidence. “That was a big mental shift,” he says.

Cause and FX’s leadership development programme also helped reinforce that mindset. “For me, the biggest thing was learning to take accountability – not just for my shots, but for the whole team’s output. If something’s not going right, it’s on me to raise it or fix it.”

Carl’s leadership style saw him promoted from Lead to Compositing Supervisor in August 2025, a reflection of his calm confidence, technical skill, and strong creative eye.

“What impressed me from the start was Carl’s balance of raw talent and humility,” says Greg Flannagan, CEO at Cause and FX. “He’s always been open to feedback, eager to learn, and willing to put in the time and effort to grow, not just for himself, but for the team around him.”

“That mindset makes him incredibly effective as a leader. People trust Carl because there’s no ego in the way. He’s committed to getting better, to helping others do the same, and to lifting the company with him. That’s a rare and valuable quality.”

He lives and leads the Cause and FX values of curiosity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. And, we’re proud to have him shaping our next generation of VFX artists.

Looking Ahead

What’s next? Carl has his eye on something that lets him stay hands-on, while shaping the bigger picture. “I want to keep contributing creatively, helping steer the vision,” he says.

For now, though, he’s exactly where he wants to be: leading challenging work, growing his team, and keeping one eye on whatever epic sequence comes next.

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