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Behind the Screens with Tony Clark and Jennie Zeiher
05 May 2026
From tidying up shots and fixing continuity errors to creating entire fantasy worlds, modern film and TV productions are built as much in code and computers as they are on set. But what does the future of visual effects look like when technology becomes a creative partner, not just a tool?
Join award‑winning South Australian visual effects industry leaders Tony Clark and Jennie Zeiher – co-founder and CEO of visual effects studio Alussein – for an insightful conversation that pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of post‑production and the people pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on screen.
Drawing on their decades of experience at the forefront of film, tech and creative innovation, Tony and Jennie will share the remarkable career journeys that led them from Rising Sun Pictures, one of Australia’s most internationally celebrated VFX studios, to co-founding and leading Alussein, a next‑generation visual effects company reshaping how films are made through new creative technologies.
From their Emmy and Academy Award‑winning work to the rise of AI and machine learning in production, this illuminating discussion will explore how art, science and technology collide to create the spectacular visuals audiences see on screen, and how the industry itself is rapidly evolving. Along the way, Tony and Jennie will unpack the realities of working in visual effects, the future of post‑production, and why South Australia is a globally recognised centre for screen excellence.
This special evening is proudly presented by the South Australian Film Corporation and The Mercury as part of Behind the Screens, an exclusive series of events celebrating South Australian screen industry luminaries and their work.
WHEN: Tuesday 5 May, 7pm
WHERE: The Mercury Cinema, 13 Morphett St, Adelaide SA 5000
COST: Mercury subscribers $10 / Non-subscribers $25 / Concession $22
About Alussein
Formed in 2025 by Rising Sun Pictures co-founder Tony Clark and former Fox Studios, SBS Australia and Hostworks Executive Will Berryman, Alussein is a ground-breaking Australian post-production studio that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning tools in visual effects.
Led by CEO Jennie Zeiher, former President of Rising Sun Pictures, Alussein operates at the intersection of art, science, and technology, designing workflows and systems purpose-built for the next era of creative production. The studio is establishing a new operating model that combines traditional filmmaking expertise with machine learning and artificial intelligence, advanced automation, and adaptive pipelines – empowering artists to deliver world-class visual effects while removing long-standing production inefficiencies.
Earlier this year Alussein acquired the operations of Sydney-based Aurora-AI, a pioneering AI-driven creative content studio with visual effects credits including Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
Alussein’s visual effects credits include forthcoming Julia Roberts thriller Panic Carefully, biographical drama Tenzing starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, and JJ Abrams horror The Great Beyond.
Find out more about Alussein – click here.
About Tony Clark
Tony Clark ACS VES FAICD is an award-winning entrepreneur, cinematographer, VFX Supervisor, technologist and futurist with over 40 years of experience in media, film, business, corporate governance and the confluence of creativity and technology.
Co-Founder of Rising Sun Pictures, Tony has been globally acknowledged for pioneering innovations in global screen production. His recent work includes AI and ML-based production technology, heading up AI and ML research partnerships with leading research institutes and universities.
Tony has an Emmy Award for his work as cinematographer, and an Academy Science and Technical Award, as well as an Engineering, Science and Technology Emmy Award for his contribution to the creation of remote collaboration tool cineSync.
Tony is the Co-Founder and Chairman of VFX studio Alussein and is on the board of ASX listed telecommunications business Superloop.
About Jennie Zeiher
Jennie Zeiher MBA GAICD is a proven screen industry leader with close to two decades of experience driving growth, transformation, and expansion in the visual effects and creative sectors. Most recently, as President of Rising Sun Pictures, she led the company through a period of sustained growth, culminating in RSP being named Australian National Exporter of the Year 2024.
Now as CEO of Alussein, Jennie leads long-term strategy across studio operations, creative technology, organisational growth, and market expansion, positioning the company as a next-generation production partner for filmmakers seeking scalable, efficient, and future-focused production models.
The recipient of the 2024 South Australian Women in Innovation Award (Technology), Jennie is on the advisory board of Brand SA, is part of the Visual Effects Society (VES) Women Who Lead Committee and is a former board member of Ausfilm.
Accessibility Information
This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any access requirements or questions about access for this event, please contact The Mercury.
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