Herne Hill Media Inc.
Herne Hill Media Inc. is a Toronto-based visual effects and production studio specializing in high-end VFX, creature design, animation, and editorial services for feature films, episodic television, and streaming content. Founded in 2021 by industry veteran Dennis Berardi, the studio emphasizes collaborative filmmaking, innovative workflows, and work-life balance, with a diverse team that includes 35% women across production and creative roles. Known for partnerships with directors like Guillermo del Toro and major studios such as Disney, Netflix, and 20th Century Studios, Herne Hill delivers photorealistic characters, complex digital environments, and immersive storytelling from concept to completion.
Services
Specializations
Technology Stack
Notable Projects
The First Omen
2024Film
Client: 20th Century Studios
Role: Visual effects
Frankenstein
2025Film
Client: Guillermo del Toro
Role: Visual effects
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities
2022TV Series
Client: Netflix
Role: Visual effects supervision and design
In the Lost Lands
2024Film
Client: Paul W.S. Anderson
Role: Visual effects
The Deliverance
2024Film
Client: Lee Daniels
Role: Visual effects
Desert Warrior
2022Film
Client: Rupert Wyatt
Role: Visual effects
Sex/Life Season 2
2023TV Series
Client: Netflix
Role: Visual effects
Awards & Recognition
VES Award Nomination
for “Monster Hunter”
Key Personnel
Dennis Berardi
Founder & VFX Supervisor
Previous: Mr. X, The Third Floor
Notable Projects: The Shape of Water, Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, Frankenstein
Multi-award-winning VFX executive with extensive experience on Guillermo del Toro projects
Brandon Schaafsma
Co-Founder & Head of Production
Previous: Mr. X
Notable Projects: The First Omen, In the Lost Lands
Oversees production and remote workflows
Ben King
Head of CG
Previous: Mr. X, DNEG
Notable Projects: The First Omen, The Shape of Water
Over 10 years in VFX, specializing in lighting and CG
Dave Sauro
Executive Producer
Notable Projects: The First Omen, Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities
Focuses on business development and client partnerships
Diana Remane
Studio Manager
Previous: Mr. X
Notable Projects: Sex/Life Season 2
20 years in VFX, advocates for work-life balance
Contact Information
Company Status
Locations
Social Media
Additional Information
Herne Hill Media prioritizes hybrid remote/in-studio workflows, family support, and gender diversity in VFX. The studio rebranded to Mr. X in 2025 after acquiring rights to the name from Technicolor.