Teesside graduate celebrates Oscar win

Working on a film about the legendary space mission which led to the first man on the moon has won a best visual effects Oscar for a Teesside University graduate.

Tristan Myles, who now lives in Canada, is DFX Supervisor with DNEG, which was awarded the 2019 Academy Award for Best Achievement in Visual Effects for First Man.

First Man, starring Ryan Gosling, looks at the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong and what was one of the most dangerous missions in the history of space travel.

Tristan went on stage at the iconic film awards ceremony to accept the Oscar for Best Visual Effects for outstanding in-camera FX work alongside DNEG’s VFX Supervisor Paul Lambert, Miniature Effects Supervisor Ian Hunter and Special Effects Supervisor J.D. Schwalm. The team accepted their award from Hollywood stars Paul Rudd and Sarah Paulson.

Tristan, who also worked on Blade Runner 2049 and Insterstellar, graduated from Teesside University in 2000 with a BA Creative Visualisation.

The award was DNEG’s second consecutive VFX Oscar, with Tristan also part of the team which won an Academy Award last year for Blade Runner 2049. DNEG has now received the Best VFX OSCAR for four of the last five years.

Tristan, who works in Vancouver, said: 'Wow what a ride, just under 20 years since graduating from Teesside University, I was recognised by the Academy for the Visual Effects work we did at DNEG on First Man.

'I knew from a fairly early age that I wanted to get in to visual effects in film, and the BA Creative Visualisation course at Teesside University afforded me the knowledge and tools needed to take the first step into that field.

'From then on it was hard work, lots of hours, and a commitment to the craft that got me to where I am today.'

Justin Greetham, Senior Lecturer in Visualisation & Graphical Applications in Teesside University’s School of Computing & Digital Technologies, said: 'This is great news for Teesside University. It is tremendous that so many of our graduates have gone on to achieve such great things, with another of our shining stars now illuminating the special effects industry. It shows the calibre of our students and teaching.'

DNEG hosted last year’s ExpoTees London, Teesside University’s annual industry-led exhibition of work from recent graduates, showcasing work in animation, games, concept art and visual effects demonstrating creativity, imagination and industry-standard skills. It provides an opportunity for recruiters and producers to meet the graduates and talk about their work.

This year’s ExpoTees London event is due to be held in June at Bafta and Oscar-awarding winning creative studio Framestore. Find out more about ExpoTees London.

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