Refuge Visual Effects
Refuge Visual Effects is a Portland-based animation and visual effects studio specializing in building characters, creatures, and environments for television, film, and commercials. Founded in 2013, they use scientific tools to create artistic works, focusing on innovative VFX that show something new to the world. Known for high-end creature design and compositing, Refuge has contributed to Emmy-winning projects like Shōgun and nominated work on Fallout.
Services
Specializations
Notable Projects
Shōgun
2024TV Series
Client: FX
Role: Digital blood and gore, violent and visceral moments
Fallout
2024TV Series
Client: Amazon Prime
Role: Visual effects, 17 Emmy nominations
Superman & Lois Season 4
2025TV Series
Client: The CW
Role: Visual effects breakdown
The Bondsman
2025Film
Role: Assets and shots including killing Kevin Bacon
The Bride
2025Film
Role: Visual effects for teaser
Awards & Recognition
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects
for “Shōgun”
HPA Award Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects - Episode or Series Season
for “The Righteous Gemstones Season 3”
Key Personnel
Fred Ruff
Owner and Executive Creative Director
Notable Projects: Shōgun
Head of Refuge VFX, empowers artists and elevates expectations
Dan Short
Compositing Supervisor
Leads diverse team for high-quality visual effects
Jason Sperling
VFX Supervisor
Leads projects at boutique vendor known for high-end work
Stef Kofman
Senior 3D Artist
Nearly 20 years experience in CG artistry
Matthew Millard
Character Lead
Notable Projects: The Bondsman
Senior Film and TV Creature / Character Concept Artist
Contact Information
Company Status
Locations
Social Media
Additional Information
Refuge VFX is a Portland-based boutique studio emphasizing artist-led creative culture and high-end creature work. They won an Emmy for Shōgun and focus on episodic TV and film VFX.