The former director, technology studio at Walt Disney Imagineering is a proven leader in the implementation of cutting-edge technology; he'll be tasked with driving the company’s global strategy and R&D across real-time, machine learning and cloud-based technology.
Framestore has announced the appointment of Michael Stein as Chief Technology Officer. Stein’s career spans VFX, games, animation, and theme park rides, and has seen him deliver transformational tech solutions for some of the world’s biggest creative projects. In his new role he will be tasked with driving the company’s global strategy and R&D across areas such as real-time, machine learning and cloud-based technology.
Stein most recently served as Director, Technology Studio for Walt Disney Imagineering (Disney’s R&D arm, which is responsible for the global design and build of the company’s rides and attractions) where he enabled the design and build of a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of attractions that incorporated cutting edge tech such as AR, VR and real-time. He has also worked at Pixar and MPC, bringing his technical expertise and strategic approach to software engineering to projects such as Guardians of The Galaxy, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, and The Jungle Book.
“Framestore has a tremendous legacy, and this is a fascinating time to be part of the company’s story,” shared Stein. “The hunger for content, the emergence of new studios and the growing interconnectivity across areas such as film, episodic, rides and games means the landscape is more complex and more exciting than ever before. I’m a firm believer in the transformative powers of technology, and this feels like the right move at the right time in terms of opening up new approaches and new opportunities for world-class VFX and compelling, immersive storytelling."
“In our global search for a CTO, Michael was the clear frontrunner thanks to his drive, experience, expertise and acumen,” commented Framestore CEO Sir William Sargent. “Much like the people he will be working alongside at Framestore, Michael has made a name for himself finding innovative solutions to seemingly impossible challenges and forging a path that explores the links between different technologies and specialisms rather than viewing them as boundaries. We’re excited to have him join us, and even more excited to see what he helps us achieve as artists and as a company.”
Source: Framestore
