New York

Leslie’s dreams of being an artist began when she was three years old, drawing on the walls and furniture of her childhood home in New York City. In time, her artistic pursuits led her to the School of Visual Arts, where she majored in computer art before landing in the professional world of VFX.

Now a 13 year veteran of the industry, Leslie has worked on films and TV shows as both a distinguished supervisor and producer, with credits including all seasons of Star Trek Discovery, Manifest Season 3, The Nighthouse, Marvel’s Runaways, Deadpool 2, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and more. Leslie’s tireless work ethic, fine attention to detail, and commitment to her clients and colleagues has been instrumental in the growth of the talent and culture of Crafty Apes NY and to the NY VFX industry in general. In addition to all her efforts at Crafty, she is also the (two time) current chair of the NY VES board. However, she still makes time for her artistic passions, including illustration, painting, and photography, along with spoiling her two adorable pet rats.

 

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Growing up outside of Boston, Sarah’s interest in film was sparked directing elaborate horror films in her basement with a cast of her friends and neighbors. Realizing all this fun could actually become a career, she attended Emerson College to cultivate her interest in film. After finding her feet as a PA, Sarah entered the world of VFX just as the NYC industry took off. Sarah’s VFX producing credits include True Detective, Manhunt: Unabomber, Wu-Tang: An American Saga and Ray Donovan. Sarah is excited to be a part of the Crafty Apes team and continue their incredible work in film and television. In her precious spare time, you can find Sarah trying out new recipes, headed to the movies with friends, or running as far as she can.

 

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There was a moment back in 2013 when Geoff got a big appreciative hug from Guillermo Del Toro at the cast and crew screening for Pacific Rim. The opportunity to meet, work with, and be recognized for contributions by a personal hero; that was when he knew he had made the right career choice.

Since that time his career has brought him from Oakland, to L.A., to Vancouver, and now NYC, where Geoff has worked on blockbuster feature films (Batman v Superman, Furious 7, Midway, Pacific Rim), award winning episodic television (Game of Thrones, The 100, Once Upon a Time, Snowpiercer), music videos for renowned artists (Dr. Dre, Eminem, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga), and commercials for massive brands, including a few for the Super Bowl (Soda Stream, Fiat/Revolve, Gatorade, NASCAR, and Beats by Dre).

In his off-work hours you’ll find Geoff hanging with his dog, exploring the metaverse in VR, or teaching classes in compositing and VFX.

 

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Mary Ida Bonadio has been in the Commercial Ad business since graduation from “The School of The Art Institute of Chicago with a MFA, and Moore College of Art with a BFA.” What Art School has taught her is to be an independent thinker. The ability to communicate and understand conceptual ideas.”

• She has raced formula one cars, flown small planes, shoots sporting clays and loves deep sea diving.
• Is a gourmet cook
• Is currently dabbling in watercolors
• Went to the scratch academy
• Just recent bough a puppy, who controls her every move

 

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