STORY
Ray's filmmaking journey began when he discovered his love for the craft at the age of 8. Armed with a Panasonic MiniDV camcorder gifted by his father, he delved into the art of storytelling, creating short films that showcased his budding talent. While honing his skills, Ray's dedication and passion led to remarkable achievements. In 2005, he co-directed, produced, cinematographed, and edited six short films centered around the 2004 Tsunami victims, which received recognition for their outstanding cinematography at the esteemed WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival.
Driven by his pursuit of excellence, Ray enrolled in an advanced diploma program in 3D animation and visual effects at Arena Animation Academy. Seeking further knowledge, he embarked on a journey to film school in Auckland, New Zealand, where he immersed himself in the world of cinema from 2002 to 2006. During this time, he studied at both South Seas Film & Television School and the University of Auckland, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Media, Film, and Television, further expanding his understanding of the art form.
During his time in film school, Ray embraced practical experience. He secured a position at TVNZ, where he digitized and logged tapes, gaining invaluable insights into the industry. Additionally, in 2006, he worked as an offline editor in Phill Cogan's 'No Opportunity Wasted NZ' for Great Southern Television, honing his skills and contributing to compelling television productions.
Ray's expertise extended beyond local productions. In 2007, he worked on the Hollywood film '30 Days of Night,' showcasing his skills on an international stage. He continued his Hollywood journey with 'The Tattooist' (2007), followed by 'Underworld: Rise of the Lycans' (2009).
In 2008, Ray joined the renowned Lucas Animation team, working in the visual effects department of 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars.' However, driven by a desire to carve his own path, he made the decision to leave Lucas Animation in 2009 and co-founded Grindout Productions Limited.
Under his production company, Ray served as a producer, director of photography, and editor for their debut feature film, 'Train to Kandy' (2012). This marked an important milestone in his career as he embraced the challenge of bringing a compelling story to life.
Ray's directorial debut came with the science fiction film 'Re-Entry: Gray Zone,' a standalone sequel to Gareth Edwards' 'Monsters' (2010). Inspired by esteemed filmmakers like James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez, Ray continues to master the art of producing, writing, directing, cinematography, editing, scoring, and visual effects, pouring his passion into each project.
In 2017, Ray produced and released the web series 'The Seer: Death Sight,' starring English actor, director, and martial artist Joey Ansah, best known for his roles in 'The Bourne Ultimatum,' 'Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist,' and 'The Old Guard.' This collaboration showcased Ray's ability to create compelling content and work with talented individuals in the industry.
That same year, Ray released the trailer for his next feature film, 'Sync: Anthology,' a science fiction horror. The trailer was screened at Halloween Comic Fest, a special event co-sponsored by Netflix to promote 'Stranger Things Season Two.' It was an occasion where both trailers were showcased, amplifying the anticipation for Ray's upcoming film.
Continuing his creative journey, Ray is currently filming his new action crime thriller, 'The Counter,' set to be released in 2024 on Amazon Prime. This exciting project promises to captivate audiences with its thrilling storyline and masterful filmmaking.
Presently, Ray runs his own film production company, 'The Insomniak Films,' and post-production company, 'Serenity Post Production Worldwide.' These ventures serve as platforms for his creative pursuits, where he combines storytelling with captivating visuals to create immersive cinematic experiences. Serenity Post Production Worldwide has worked with international brands such as Lokum, the University of Central Florida, Vodafone Group, New Zealand Warriors Rugby Team, Volkswagen, Diagno Pest Control, Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Lexus.
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