OUR STORY

Sparx* is Vietnam’s premier production studio. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, the studio is home to over 500 professionals who have contributed to some of the biggest Feature Films, TV Shows, Video Games and Cinematics to date.

Established in 1995, Sparx* first made its mark co-producing numerous successful TV series that were aired in multiple countries across five continents. In 1999, the animated TV series ‘Rolio Olie Polie’ produced by Sparx* received a Daytime EMMY® Award and another Gemini Award for ‘Outstanding Special Class Animated Program’.

In 2008, Sparx* also became the first studio in Vietnam to have fully animated a Hollywood feature movie (Igor, 2008). Those were the solid foundations for our Animation Department to reach new milestones years later by taking part in the full-episode production for the last 3 seasons of Star Wars Rebels – the award-winning TV series from Lucasfilm.

In 2011, the assets and core team of Sparx* were acquired by Virtuos Holdings Pte. Ltd. Since then, Sparx* has expanded by opening its Game and Film departments, which produce content for AAA video games as well as for Hollywood blockbusters. The studio has been engaged in providing services across the full pipeline for the biggest video game companies globally, earning credits on legendary titles such as Call of Duty, Fallout, Medal of Honor or Battlefront, to name a few. The studio has also contributed to some of Hollywood’s biggest cinematic franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and Transformers.

Today, Sparx* continues to offer a superb range of end-to-end solutions for the highest-quality Animation, Cinematics, and Game Development and remains the top workplace in Vietnam’s digital entertainment production sector.

OUR CORE VALUES

EXCELLENCE

A Daytime EMMY® Award-winning studio, Sparx* continues to work on projects that garner high ratings and review scores.

TECHNOLOGY

Sparx* is at the forefront of new platforms and technologies thanks to the resources readily available from a new and dedicated R&D facility owned by Virtuos Group in Singapore.

SCALE

With more than 350 full-time team members, Sparx* is capable of tackling the scope of any assignment, from a TV series to a full-blown AAA video games.

HISTORY

After two and a half decades, we have earned our reputation as an outstanding hub of digital entertainment production in all of Vietnam.

OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Managing Director of the Art Division, Virtuos Group

Sam Stevenin

Sam has over 20 years of XP in the industry. He joined Sparx* in 2008 and has been through various roles, from Lighting Supervisor to Environment Art Director. Sam possesses a great understanding of the different production pipelines and the technical workflow.

Sam has over 20 years of XP in the industry. He joined Sparx* in 2008 and has been through various roles, from Lighting Supervisor to Environment Art Director. Sam possesses a great understanding of the different production pipelines and the technical workflow. As the studio leader, his vision and unique combination of past knowledge have helped Sparx* achieve its goals through the years. In June 2023, Sam was promoted to the position of Managing Director of the Art Division of Virtuos Group. Based in HCMC, he is responsible for setting the strategy and overseeing the business aspects and the organization of the division across Virtuos studios.
Operations Director

Camille Thomas

Camille joined Sparx* in 2022 as Studio Operations Director after 7 years at Gameloft as the Regional CFO. With over 2 decades of experience in corporate finance and corporate development in various industries including retail, automotive and recently in gaming, she leverages her professional experience to grow and add value to the studio to create the environment that embraces innovation, efficiency and lean organizations.

Camille joined Sparx* in 2022 as Studio Operations Director after 7 years at Gameloft as the Regional CFO. With over 2 decades of experience in corporate finance and corporate development in various industries including retail, automotive and recently in gaming, she leverages her professional experience to grow and add value to the studio to create the environment that embraces innovation, efficiency and lean organizations.
HR Manager

Nhan Phan

Nhan has over 14 years of experience in HR, with a strong background in recruitment and employee relations across different fields and industries. Joined Sparx* in 2017, she has been a key driver in deploying the studio's HR agenda, supervising all HR activities including general administration, talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, as well as employee engagement.

Nhan has over 14 years of experience in HR, with a strong background in recruitment and employee relations across different fields and industries. Joined Sparx* in 2017, she has been a key driver in deploying the studio's HR agenda, supervising all HR activities including general administration, talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, as well as employee engagement.
Associate Director of Operation

Giang Pham

Giang joined Sparx* studio in 2016 and took various responsibilities as Producer, Project Manager, Studio Planning Manager and now as Associate Director of Operation. During her time at Sparx*, she has contributed to many aspects of the studio development, from studio planning and budgeting to innovating the KPI review process and successfully implementing production and financial systems.

Giang joined Sparx* studio in 2016 and took various responsibilities as Producer, Project Manager, Studio Planning Manager and now as Associate Director of Operation. During her time at Sparx*, she has contributed to many aspects of the studio development, from studio planning and budgeting to innovating the KPI review process and successfully implementing production and financial systems.
Director of Game Development

Fernando Castillo

Fernando joined Sparx* in 2018 with the mission to build the studio’s real-time cinematic pipeline, after 15 years in EA Games. He helped grew the studio’s technical team to more than 30 people, expanded the studio’s ability to integrate and work within client game engines. In 2021, to complete the integration of the technical teams, he also took over IT and DevOps departments. His current challenge is to build Sparx* game development capacity by growing the studio’s Game Design and Engineering.

Fernando joined Sparx* in 2018 with the mission to build the studio’s real-time cinematic pipeline, after 15 years in EA Games. He helped grew the studio’s technical team to more than 30 people, expanded the studio’s ability to integrate and work within client game engines. In 2021, to complete the integration of the technical teams, he also took over IT and DevOps departments. His current challenge is to build Sparx* game development capacity by growing the studio’s Game Design and Engineering.
Senior Animation Director

Patrice Compagnon

Patrice joined Sparx* in 2002. In the course of 2 decades at the studio, Patrice has led his Animation Department on remarkable projects including many animated feature films, TV series, cinematics, and videogames. He was also essential in the development of the new generation of Vietnamese Animation Directors.

Patrice joined Sparx* in 2002. In the course of 2 decades at the studio, Patrice has led his Animation Department on remarkable projects including many animated feature films, TV series, cinematics, and videogames. He was also essential in the development of the new generation of Vietnamese Animation Directors. You can find his influence in almost every animation project at Sparx* since 2002, from feature films Igor, Vic the Viking the 3 award-winning seasons of Star Wars Rebels series, Puppy Dog Pals series, to popular game titles like Disney Infinity 1 & 2, Lego Star Wars: Castaways, Spongebob Squarepants: the Cosmic Shake and League of Legends. You name it.
Animation Director

Vinh Tran

Started his career in Animation at Sparx* back in 2005, Vinh has been one of the most successful in-house trained animators at the studio and a KOL in the local animation community.

Started his career in Animation at Sparx* back in 2005, Vinh has been one of the most successful in-house trained animators at the studio and a KOL in the local animation community. Having overseen different teams to deliver delicate animation works for major productions like the feature film Igor, and acclaimed TV series distributed by Disney like Star Wars Rebels, Lego Star Wars: All Stars, and Puppy Dog Pals.
Previz/Layout Art Director

Olivier Berry

Olivier came to Sparx* in 2015 with a decade-long experience in the industry and has built our Pre-viz/Layout sub-division since then. The team has been credited so numerous acclaimed TV series, animated feature films & game cinematics such as Marvel's Midnight Suns, Legends of Runeterra or Star Wars Rebels;

Olivier came to Sparx* in 2015 with a decade-long experience in the industry and has built our Pre-viz/Layout sub-division since then. The team has been credited so numerous acclaimed TV series, animated feature films & game cinematics such as Marvel's Midnight Suns, Legends of Runeterra or Star Wars Rebels; but if you ask which one is his favorite, the answer would be the top-notch cinematic of Demon's Souls Remake in 2020.
Animation Director

Vinh Nguyen

Vinh came to Sparx* in 2005 and has stayed ever since, getting credited for supervising the team behind beloved animation titles like Star Wars Rebels and Vic the Viking: Magic Sword, as well as the major MOBA game League of Legends.

Vinh came to Sparx* in 2005 and has stayed ever since, getting credited for supervising the team behind beloved animation titles like Star Wars Rebels and Vic the Viking: Magic Sword, as well as the major MOBA game League of Legends. Today, Vinh always reminds his junior animators about the importance of being humble and learning in the world of Animation.
Lighting/FX Senior Art Director

Jerome Hereng

Before joining Sparx*, Jerome had over 15 years of prior experience working in renowned studios like Illumination Mac Guff, handling a large range of tools and software for special effects. Since joining Sparx* in 2015, he has helped built the FX department and branched out his area of expertise into game engines and procedural tools in Houdini.

Before joining Sparx*, Jerome had over 15 years of prior experience working in renowned studios like Illumination Mac Guff, handling a large range of tools and software for special effects. Since joining Sparx* in 2015, he has helped built the FX department and branched out his area of expertise into game engines and procedural tools in Houdini. On the Sparrx* side, Jerome has added major titles like Star Wars Rebels, Demon’s Souls Remake and Kena: Bridge of Spirits to his proud portfolio.
Lighting/ FX Art Director

Nhat Nguyen

Starting his career at Sparx* as a trainee in 2012, Nhat had more than 2 years as a CG Artist. Then he found his true passion in the Lighting/FX field when joining the project Star Wars Rebels. He has led the VFX team on many high-profile game projects, including Star Wars:

Starting his career at Sparx* as a trainee in 2012, Nhat had more than 2 years as a CG Artist. Then he found his true passion in the Lighting/FX field when joining the project Star Wars Rebels. He has led the VFX team on many high-profile game projects, including Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order and League of Legends. He currently oversees training and mentoring members to equip them with all the essential skills before joining the production environment with several high-profile projects.
Character Art Director

Michal Hoz

In 2022, Michal brought to Sparx* his 14 years of strong expertise in creating fine-art 3D game assets with a focus on character development. He started his career in 2008 as 3D Artist with a focus on character modelling in many game development studios in Europe.

In 2022, Michal brought to Sparx* his 14 years of strong expertise in creating fine-art 3D game assets with a focus on character development. He started his career in 2008 as 3D Artist with a focus on character modelling in many game development studios in Europe. Not only passionate about high-quality asset development, but he has been also interested in the technical aspects to provide the maximum optimized workflow in the art production process. One of his notable projects at the studio is game title Legends of Runeterra.
Character Associate Art Director

Linh Do

Linh joined Sparx* since 2014 as Junior Artist and advanced to Senior Artist in only a year later, then honored with the Virtuosi Award in 2015. Linh started to take the next step in his journey at Sparx* with the leading role as Art Team Leader in 2018 and Associate Art Director in 2022.

Linh joined Sparx* since 2014 as Junior Artist and advanced to Senior Artist in only a year later, then honored with the Virtuosi Award in 2015. Linh started to take the next step in his journey at Sparx* with the leading role as Art Team Leader in 2018 and Associate Art Director in 2022. During the last 9 years, he has brought his expertise and passion to contribute significantly to multiple projects like League of Legends, Divine Knockout, SMITE.
Rigging Associate Art Director

Mauricio Cuauhtli

Mauricio joined Sparx* in 2020 as Rigging Team Leader before being promoted to Associate Art Director in 2021. As the Rigging Supervisor, he constantly communicates with clients and other departments to ensure the project requirements match each artist's strengths better while improving their skills through new, fun, and

Mauricio joined Sparx* in 2020 as Rigging Team Leader before being promoted to Associate Art Director in 2021. As the Rigging Supervisor, he constantly communicates with clients and other departments to ensure the project requirements match each artist's strengths better while improving their skills through new, fun, and engaging challenges. He has achieved great performance and led his team to contribute to key projects named The Quarry, Legends of Runeterra, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, and SMITE.
Lighting/ FX Associate Art Director

Ahmad Turki

Before joining Sparx* in 2021, Ahmad has spent more than 14 years working and leading teams on several VFX and 3D Animation projects. He has started his CG career path in 2009 as 3D Look Development Artist, working on several entertainment and educational projects. Then, he has sharpened his lighting skills not only in the film industry but also in TV commercial and architectural visualization.

Before joining Sparx* in 2021, Ahmad has spent more than 14 years working and leading teams on several VFX and 3D Animation projects. He has started his CG career path in 2009 as 3D Look Development Artist, working on several entertainment and educational projects. Then, he has sharpened his lighting skills not only in the film industry but also in TV commercial and architectural visualization. Ahmad is an enthusiastic about real-time technologies and the latest development of Unreal. His portfolio features notable projects such as short film Life Rendered and the recent PS5 title Marvel's Midnight Suns contributed by Sparx*.
Character Associate Art Director

Eiad Dahnim

When joining us as the Character Associate Art Director in 2021, Eiad already had over 11 years of experience in the game industry. He worked for 2 years and a half at Sucker Punch Productions in 2016 and helped build the hero characters in one of the most beloved AAA titles, Ghost of Tsushima. Later in 2019, he served as the 3D Art Director for Share Creators, an AAA quality design platform. Eiad is now sharing his profound knowledge in high-quality character art and experience in the production to the character department at Sparx*.

When joining us as the Character Associate Art Director in 2021, Eiad already had over 11 years of experience in the game industry. He worked for 2 years and a half at Sucker Punch Productions in 2016 and helped build the hero characters in one of the most beloved AAA titles, Ghost of Tsushima. Later in 2019, he served as the 3D Art Director for Share Creators, an AAA quality design platform. Eiad is now sharing his profound knowledge in high-quality character art and experience in the production to the character department at Sparx*.
Lighting/ FX Associate Art Director

Ryan Zeng

Joining us in September 2022 as Art Team leader, he has showcased his expertise and dedication to key projects such as SMITE, Marvel's Midnight Suns - The Awakening, guiding junior artists while delivering outstanding visual effect experiences.

Ryan's expertise spans various dimensions of real-time VFX production across multiple platforms and engines. His sense of aesthetics, material knowledge, and technical proficiency contribute to his ability to lead projects from inception to their finest.

Joining us in September 2022 as Art Team leader, he has showcased his expertise and dedication to key projects such as SMITE, Marvel's Midnight Suns - The Awakening, guiding junior artists while delivering outstanding visual effect experiences.

Ryan's expertise spans various dimensions of real-time VFX production across multiple platforms and engines. His sense of aesthetics, material knowledge, and technical proficiency contribute to his ability to lead projects from inception to their finest.

Environment Senior Art Director

Ron Mayland

As a Senior Art Director, Ron is all about world-building. Besides from specializing in anything hard surface, he also has a strong flair for games and more than a decade of experience in a wide range of areas, styles, and technical constraints. Since joining Sparx* in 2015, Ron has been leading different environment teams that earned their credits in multiple AAA projects through different disciplines: from vehicles and weapons

As a Senior Art Director, Ron is all about world-building. Besides from specializing in anything hard surface, he also has a strong flair for games and more than a decade of experience in a wide range of areas, styles, and technical constraints. Since joining Sparx* in 2015, Ron has been leading different environment teams that earned their credits in multiple AAA projects through different disciplines: from vehicles and weapons to full-level development in various renowned games such as the Disney Infinity series, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond, and recent PS5 titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart or Kena: Bridge of Spirits.
Environment Senior Art Director

Kristian Pedlow

With previous experience working in Sydney and Virtuos Shanghai, Kris was one of the first members of Virtuos to move to Vietnam in 2013. Since then, he has been training and managing hundreds of artists to produce thousands of assets for some of the biggest blockbuster films of all time such as the Star Wars Rebels, multiple movies from the MCU, or the Star Wars franchise such as TV series

With previous experience working in Sydney and Virtuos Shanghai, Kris was one of the first members of Virtuos to move to Vietnam in 2013. Since then, he has been training and managing hundreds of artists to produce thousands of assets for some of the biggest blockbuster films of all time such as the Star Wars Rebels, multiple movies from the MCU, or the Star Wars franchise such as TV series The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, as well as recent productions from The Mandalorian series on Disney+. He also worked on many game projects, including Vader Immortal, and Demon Soul's Remake, to name a few.
Concept Art Director

David Pellet

David brought over 20 years of experience in game art, mentorship, and leadership to the studio when joining Sparx* as a Concept Art Director in 2021. Having established quite an impressive career path at different studios including Ubisoft Bordeaux, David's portfolio features

David brought over 20 years of experience in game art, mentorship, and leadership to the studio when joining Sparx* as a Concept Art Director in 2021. Having established quite an impressive career path at different studios including Ubisoft Bordeaux, David's portfolio features some of the most recognizable titles like Dishonored II, Warhammer, the tactical shooter series Ghost Recon, or the celebrated AAA project Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in which he was an Art Director.
Concept Associate Art Director

Lucas Leger

Lucas has 9-year experience in 2D art. Before joining Sparx* in 2021, he had spent more than 3 years as Concept Artist at Ubisoft Bordeaux where he worked in the Ghost Recon series and the latest title in the Assassin’s Creed: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. As AAD of studio’s

Lucas has 9-year experience in 2D art. Before joining Sparx* in 2021, he had spent more than 3 years as Concept Artist at Ubisoft Bordeaux where he worked in the Ghost Recon series and the latest title in the Assassin’s Creed: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. As AAD of studio’s Concept Art Department, he has been playing a significant role in assisting the team’s AD to elaborate the Concept team with strong skillsets to achieve high-deliverable results.
Environment Art Director

Nils Velay

When he came to Sparx* in 2022, Nils has more than 11-year experience in Environment Art. It took him only 3 years to be promoted from Art Intern at Ubisoft India to Lead Artist and then Art Director. In 2018, he expanded his expertise with the position of Production Director, in which he led end-to-end collaborations on AAA games. This led him to oversee various projects' design, creative, and technical aspects.

When he came to Sparx* in 2022, Nils has more than 11-year experience in Environment Art. It took him only 3 years to be promoted from Art Intern at Ubisoft India to Lead Artist and then Art Director. In 2018, he expanded his expertise with the position of Production Director, in which he led end-to-end collaborations on AAA games. This led him to oversee various projects' design, creative, and technical aspects. With his broad skillset from 2D and 3D game assets and knowledge in level art and level design, he manages game environment projects alongside Sparx*'s Senior Directors – Kris & Ron.
Environment Associate Art Director

Thuy Le

Before joining Sparx* in 2008, Thuy had been a veteran in games and animation for Japanese market. Having joined us for over 15 years, she has become not only the first female Associate Art Director of the studio but also a strong link in the chain of our game environment department.

Before joining Sparx* in 2008, Thuy had been a veteran in games and animation for Japanese market. Having joined us for over 15 years, she has become not only the first female Associate Art Director of the studio but also a strong link in the chain of our game environment department. Her portfolio features a handful of impressive projects, notably Star Wars Rebels, several Call of Duty instalments, Outer Worlds, and the recent PS5 title Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.
Environment Associate Art Director

Phuong Tran

Phuong has been together with Sparx* since 2008 as 3D Artist, then promoted to Senior Artist in 2011, Team Leader in 2013 and Associate Art Director in 2022. She has proven her leadership and art management skill when guiding team in many blockbuster titles,

Phuong has been together with Sparx* since 2008 as 3D Artist, then promoted to Senior Artist in 2011, Team Leader in 2013 and Associate Art Director in 2022. She has proven her leadership and art management skill when guiding team in many blockbuster titles, named Star Wars (Episode VIII - The Force Awakens), Transformers (Age of Extinction), and action role-playing game titles Marvel’s Avengers.
Environment Associate Art Director

Huan Cao

Huan had started his journey with Sparx* in 2012 as a trainee. In the last decade at the studio, Huan’s expertise and leadership have been sharpened through many successful projects as Junior Artist, Senior Artist, Team Lead, Associate Art Director.

Huan had started his journey with Sparx* in 2012 as a trainee. In the last decade at the studio, Huan’s expertise and leadership have been sharpened through many successful projects as Junior Artist, Senior Artist, Team Lead, Associate Art Director. Huan has left his footprints on and landed on the after credits for many blockbuster films such as Star Wars: Solo, Avengers: Infinity War, Transformers: The Last Knight, etc. and game titles like RIDE 4, The Quarry, Vampire: The Masquerade - Swan Song.
Production Manager

Thuong Le

Sparx* was the first and only studio that Thuong has worked for since 2014. She has thrived to her recent role as Production Manager, looking over the Character, Rigging, Previz-Layout, Animation and Lighting-VFX groups.

Sparx* was the first and only studio that Thuong has worked for since 2014. She has thrived to her recent role as Production Manager, looking over the Character, Rigging, Previz-Layout, Animation and Lighting-VFX groups. Her portfolio features a diversity of successful projects with the studio, from renowned games such as the Minecraft series or Planet Zoo, to featured films like Vic the Viking: The Magic Sword, and TV series including Lego Star Wars: All-Stars and Puppy Dog Pals on Disney Junior.
Production Manager

Huong Dinh

Huong had started her career at Sparx* in 2015 as a Producer, where she has shown her talent and passion in art production for Environment Gameplay in various games titles such as Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Call of Duty Black Ops 4, Ratchet & Clank.

Huong had started her career at Sparx* in 2015 as a Producer, where she has shown her talent and passion in art production for Environment Gameplay in various games titles such as Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Call of Duty Black Ops 4, Ratchet & Clank. Now she has extended her role to production management, covering all the Environment and Concept groups.
Senior Line Producer

Tien Le

Beginning her career in digital production at Sparx* in 2012, Tien has deep expertise in animation production, playing the key role to coordinate all departments in major projects of different styles and genres within the realms of game cinematics, TV series, and feature animated films.

Beginning her career in digital production at Sparx* in 2012, Tien has deep expertise in animation production, playing the key role to coordinate all departments in major projects of different styles and genres within the realms of game cinematics, TV series, and feature animated films. Tien has made her mark upon the success of titles like Star Wars Rebels, or Vic the Viking: Magic Sword and game cinematics like Lego Star Wars: Castaways, Marvel's Midnight Suns, just to name a few.
Senior Line Producer

Nhung Nguyen

Nhung joined Sparx* in 2012. Nhung started as a producer dedicated to Japanese games at Sparx* for 7 years before being promoted to Line Producer to master the budgets and schedules of full-level and cinematic development projects.

Nhung joined Sparx* in 2012. Nhung started as a producer dedicated to Japanese games at Sparx* for 7 years before being promoted to Line Producer to master the budgets and schedules of full-level and cinematic development projects. Possesses a thorough understanding of production workflow, she keeps close-eyes to every aspect of in-game content production while motivating the team to push their limit to drive projects to success.

SPARX* HISTORY

The adventure began in 1995… Take a quick look at some of our proudest milestones.