We are pleased to introduce Marie Afriat, whose leadership bridges strategy and operations to drive The Yard\u2019s growth and innovation. Since joining the studio, Marie has played a key role in shaping its trajectory, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring that every project meets the highest creative and technical standards.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=\u00a0\u00bbcustom\u00a0\u00bb border_width=\u00a0\u00bb2″ accent_color=\u00a0\u00bb#bdae8d\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]Hello Marie ! Could you please describe your role at The Yard ?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Hello everyone !<\/p>\nAs the General Manager of The Yard, my role is to oversee operations and work closely with Laurens Ehrmann, The Yard\u2019s founder, to define the studio’s growth and budget strategy. Essentially, I serve as a bridge between strategy and operations, ensuring we deliver the desired level of image quality within the established budget while driving the studio’s ongoing development.<\/span><\/p>\nThis requires close collaboration with The Yard\u2019s executive team, which includes representatives from the creative, production, technology, finance, and human resources departments. Additionally, I oversee all administrative services, which are crucial for keeping the studio running efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Ultimately, my work revolves around safeguarding the studio\u2014its people, investments, and future\u2014by carefully evaluating and making the right decisions to achieve our goals and foster collective success.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The Yard’s Executive Team<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text]
![\"Laurens](\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%203%202%27%3E%3C\/svg%3E\")
<\/div><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>Laurens Ehrmann<\/div>Founder - CEO - Senior VFX Supervisor<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>Marie Afriat<\/div>General Manager<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>Harry Bardak<\/div>Head of VFX<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>Virginie Wintrebert<\/div>Head of Production<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>Alexis Oblet<\/div>Chief Technology Officer<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>Muriel Lorach<\/div>Chief Finance Officer<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>Matthieu Hoffmann<\/div>Chief People Officer<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What do you find great about your current role ?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nI love working in such a dynamic and inspiring industry. The VFX field constantly challenges us to adapt, both as a studio and as individuals. At The Yard, we\u2019ve set ambitious goals to sustain growth, which keeps me motivated and keeps me aware of what is happening externally and internally.<\/span><\/p>\nSince joining, there\u2019s never been a moment of pure contemplation\u2014there\u2019s always something new happening, whether it\u2019s improving our processes, meeting milestones, or tackling fresh challenges. I enjoy the combination of short-term problem-solving and working toward long-term objectives that are set collectively.<\/span><\/p>\nAbove all, I\u2019m passionate about creating a positive working environment. Listening to feedback from our team and clients helps us refine our processes, improve organization, and make everyone\u2019s jobs easier. It\u2019s incredibly rewarding to see people thrive and work together toward a shared vision.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9668″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What aspects of your job do you find most fulfilling ?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nFor me, it\u2019s all about people. The Yard has always prioritized its human-centered approach. I\u2019m inspired by the diverse group of passionate individuals I work with\u2014each bringing unique talents and perspectives.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16px\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The Yard’s 10th anniversary celebration in Montpellier<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb8501″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16px\u00a0\u00bb][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The team spirit at The Yard is exceptional. Everyone feels part of a common adventure, contributing to collective success rather than individual gain. Celebrating our achievements as a group is something I deeply value. It reflects the collaborative mindset we\u2019ve nurtured over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
I enjoy meeting with talent, getting to know them and discovering their profession. I find this very fulfilling to help people flourish by understanding their needs, whether it\u2019s improving working conditions, tools, or processes.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]How did you transition into the VFX industry, given your background in automobile and IT?\u00a0<\/b><\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nMy path to VFX was unexpected. I\u2019ve always gravitated toward roles where I could help small structures grow, such as my work with a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary or a local agency at Adecco. Later, I joined a small IT company with 30 employees, which grew to 200 before being acquired by Atos. However, in larger organizations, I felt disconnected from the human aspects of my work. It was time for me to find a new challenge, and I was eager to explore a new industry.<\/span><\/p>\nAlthough I\u2019ve always loved films, I wasn\u2019t deeply immersed in the craft like many of my colleagues are today. I didn\u2019t grow up in this world, nor did I know anyone in the industry to guide me. For a long time, I assumed the cinema and audiovisual industry was closed to outsiders\u2014that it required specific skills, knowledge, and cultural familiarity to enter. Joining The Yard was a real discovery for me, revealing an industry that I hadn\u2019t considered before, meeting passionate and inspiring people, and opening up an exciting new chapter in my career.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
When I joined The Yard, it was a fresh start. At that time, the studio was involved in a major project, <\/span>Minuscule 2 <\/span><\/i><\/a>and Laurens wanted to structure the studio\u2019s operations to support its growth. And I was drawn to the challenge ! <\/span><\/p>\nMy initial mission was to save Laurens time so he could focus on his craft, and as the studio expanded, my responsibilities grew. It\u2019s been a fascinating journey of building a company, one step at a time, alongside an incredibly talented and motivated team.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/3″]
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16x\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nThe Yard’s VFX Showreel of its work on\u00a0Minuscule 2<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/vimeo.com\/315531225″][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16px\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
What makes this experience particularly inspiring\u2014even now\u2014is Laurens\u2019s ambition to achieve a market position no one has reached before. That vision quickly became a shared goal for all of us. As we\u2019ve grown, we\u2019ve focused on adding the right skills and expertise, bringing in team members with diverse perspectives who align with our collective vision. This deliberate approach has enabled us to build a dynamic, talented team, turning our shared ambition into reality step by step.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What were the greatest challenges you met ?
\n<\/b><\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nOne of the greatest challenges I faced was starting from a blank slate, without prior knowledge of how a VFX studio should be run. It was a completely new environment for me, but working alongside Laurens, with his deep experience as an artist, gave me confidence in the decisions we needed to make.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThough, I believe coming from outside the industry was also a real asset, opening up broader opportunities by tackling issues from a fresh perspective, exploring possibilities that might not typically be considered by those already embedded in the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAnother challenge has been understanding and adapting to the unique mindset of artists, particularly those working as freelancers or intermittent artists. Their status fosters a dynamic approach to work, constantly pushing them forward to explore new projects and environments, which also influences how we approach human resources, recruiting process, and studio environment. We wanted to create a workplace that not only appeals to their creativity but also aligns with their values. From the start, we\u2019ve aimed to work with people who see themselves as part of an adventure and are true contributing team players. Through all this, the rapid pace and dynamics of the industry have been both challenging and invigorating. It has required us to maintain agility in our decision-making\u2014acting quickly to adapt to immediate needs while simultaneously laying the groundwork for long-term growth.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9669″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb onclick=\u00a0\u00bbcustom_link\u00a0\u00bb link=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/kYUDFKaARm4?si=G7sXM1lqsqZfnPFv\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Yard has celebrated its 10th anniversary. What does this milestone represent to you ?
\n<\/b><\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nThe Yard\u2019s 10th anniversary was a truly special milestone. It was an opportunity to reflect on how far we\u2019ve come, but also to celebrate the incredible journey we\u2019re still on. The event was particularly meaningful because it took place during a peak period for the studio, both in terms of staffing and projects. I felt immense pride in what we\u2019ve accomplished\u2014the talented people we\u2019ve brought onboard, the amazing films and series we\u2019ve contributed to, and the quality of work we\u2019ve delivered over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16x\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
For me, it\u2019s a mix of emotions. On one hand, it feels like the seven years I\u2019ve been part of The Yard have flown by, packed with constant growth and achievement. On the other hand, it\u2019s exciting to look ahead at the road before us, filled with so many opportunities still to seize and goals to reach.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/3″][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb8394″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
The anniversary wasn\u2019t about nostalgia; it was about celebrating everyone who has contributed to this collective effort. I was particularly happy for Laurens, who has been the driving force behind this adventure and who brought us all together to make it happen.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16x\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Founder and Senior VFX Supervisor, Laurens Ehrmann at The Yard’s 10th anniversary celebration in Paris<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9655″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
It reminded me of moments like winning a C\u00e9sar<\/a>\u2014it\u2019s a fantastic recognition of what we\u2019ve achieved, but it\u2019s never the ultimate goal. The real success is in the journey itself and the continuous drive to move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Looking ahead, what are your personal goals for The Yard and yourself?
\n<\/b><\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\nLooking ahead, my personal goals for The Yard revolve around strengthening our presence and impact within the industry ecosystem while maintaining the studio\u2019s core values and culture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWe\u2019ve already built strong partnerships as part of our strategy, such as our collaborations with schools like ArtFX<\/a> and Creative Seeds<\/a>, business partners like Pics Studio<\/a>, and research institutions like INRIA<\/a>. These relationships, along with our alignment with initiatives like ‘La Grande Fabrique de l’Image’<\/a> under the France 2030 plan, are critical in supporting both our growth and the broader development of the industry.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb5526″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb add_caption=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb onclick=\u00a0\u00bbcustom_link\u00a0\u00bb link=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/kYUDFKaARm4?si=G7sXM1lqsqZfnPFv\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Moving forward, I want to deepen these connections and expand our local presence in the regions where we operate, including Montpellier, London, and other regional sites we plan to establish in the future. A personal challenge I embrace is ensuring that our diverse team continues to thrive by integrating their varied experiences and cultures while maintaining and enriching The Yard\u2019s unique studio culture.<\/p>\n
Additionally, I aim to keep fostering an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration, where new members\u2014wherever they work\u2014can seamlessly join and contribute to our shared vision. This includes continuing our commitment to sustainability, such as our energy-saving initiatives, and bolstering The Yard\u2019s visibility and reputation locally and internationally, particularly in London, while adapting to and respecting cultural nuances. Ultimately, I want to see The Yard flourish as a place where both creativity and values come together to drive excellence and innovation.<\/p>\n
[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9657″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
As the General Manager of The Yard, my role is to oversee operations and work closely with Laurens Ehrmann, The Yard\u2019s founder, to define the studio’s growth and budget strategy. Essentially, I serve as a bridge between strategy and operations, ensuring we deliver the desired level of image quality within the established budget while driving the studio’s ongoing development.<\/span><\/p>\n This requires close collaboration with The Yard\u2019s executive team, which includes representatives from the creative, production, technology, finance, and human resources departments. Additionally, I oversee all administrative services, which are crucial for keeping the studio running efficiently.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Ultimately, my work revolves around safeguarding the studio\u2014its people, investments, and future\u2014by carefully evaluating and making the right decisions to achieve our goals and foster collective success.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The Yard’s Executive Team<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text] I love working in such a dynamic and inspiring industry. The VFX field constantly challenges us to adapt, both as a studio and as individuals. At The Yard, we\u2019ve set ambitious goals to sustain growth, which keeps me motivated and keeps me aware of what is happening externally and internally.<\/span><\/p>\n Since joining, there\u2019s never been a moment of pure contemplation\u2014there\u2019s always something new happening, whether it\u2019s improving our processes, meeting milestones, or tackling fresh challenges. I enjoy the combination of short-term problem-solving and working toward long-term objectives that are set collectively.<\/span><\/p>\n Above all, I\u2019m passionate about creating a positive working environment. Listening to feedback from our team and clients helps us refine our processes, improve organization, and make everyone\u2019s jobs easier. It\u2019s incredibly rewarding to see people thrive and work together toward a shared vision.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9668″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What aspects of your job do you find most fulfilling ?<\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n For me, it\u2019s all about people. The Yard has always prioritized its human-centered approach. I\u2019m inspired by the diverse group of passionate individuals I work with\u2014each bringing unique talents and perspectives.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16px\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The Yard’s 10th anniversary celebration in Montpellier<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb8501″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16px\u00a0\u00bb][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The team spirit at The Yard is exceptional. Everyone feels part of a common adventure, contributing to collective success rather than individual gain. Celebrating our achievements as a group is something I deeply value. It reflects the collaborative mindset we\u2019ve nurtured over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n I enjoy meeting with talent, getting to know them and discovering their profession. I find this very fulfilling to help people flourish by understanding their needs, whether it\u2019s improving working conditions, tools, or processes.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]How did you transition into the VFX industry, given your background in automobile and IT?\u00a0<\/b><\/strong><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n My path to VFX was unexpected. I\u2019ve always gravitated toward roles where I could help small structures grow, such as my work with a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary or a local agency at Adecco. Later, I joined a small IT company with 30 employees, which grew to 200 before being acquired by Atos. However, in larger organizations, I felt disconnected from the human aspects of my work. It was time for me to find a new challenge, and I was eager to explore a new industry.<\/span><\/p>\n Although I\u2019ve always loved films, I wasn\u2019t deeply immersed in the craft like many of my colleagues are today. I didn\u2019t grow up in this world, nor did I know anyone in the industry to guide me. For a long time, I assumed the cinema and audiovisual industry was closed to outsiders\u2014that it required specific skills, knowledge, and cultural familiarity to enter. Joining The Yard was a real discovery for me, revealing an industry that I hadn\u2019t considered before, meeting passionate and inspiring people, and opening up an exciting new chapter in my career.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n When I joined The Yard, it was a fresh start. At that time, the studio was involved in a major project, <\/span>Minuscule 2 <\/span><\/i><\/a>and Laurens wanted to structure the studio\u2019s operations to support its growth. And I was drawn to the challenge ! <\/span><\/p>\n My initial mission was to save Laurens time so he could focus on his craft, and as the studio expanded, my responsibilities grew. It\u2019s been a fascinating journey of building a company, one step at a time, alongside an incredibly talented and motivated team.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/3″] The Yard’s VFX Showreel of its work on\u00a0Minuscule 2<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/vimeo.com\/315531225″][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16px\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n What makes this experience particularly inspiring\u2014even now\u2014is Laurens\u2019s ambition to achieve a market position no one has reached before. That vision quickly became a shared goal for all of us. As we\u2019ve grown, we\u2019ve focused on adding the right skills and expertise, bringing in team members with diverse perspectives who align with our collective vision. This deliberate approach has enabled us to build a dynamic, talented team, turning our shared ambition into reality step by step.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]What were the greatest challenges you met ? One of the greatest challenges I faced was starting from a blank slate, without prior knowledge of how a VFX studio should be run. It was a completely new environment for me, but working alongside Laurens, with his deep experience as an artist, gave me confidence in the decisions we needed to make.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Though, I believe coming from outside the industry was also a real asset, opening up broader opportunities by tackling issues from a fresh perspective, exploring possibilities that might not typically be considered by those already embedded in the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another challenge has been understanding and adapting to the unique mindset of artists, particularly those working as freelancers or intermittent artists. Their status fosters a dynamic approach to work, constantly pushing them forward to explore new projects and environments, which also influences how we approach human resources, recruiting process, and studio environment. We wanted to create a workplace that not only appeals to their creativity but also aligns with their values. From the start, we\u2019ve aimed to work with people who see themselves as part of an adventure and are true contributing team players. Through all this, the rapid pace and dynamics of the industry have been both challenging and invigorating. It has required us to maintain agility in our decision-making\u2014acting quickly to adapt to immediate needs while simultaneously laying the groundwork for long-term growth.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9669″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb onclick=\u00a0\u00bbcustom_link\u00a0\u00bb link=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/kYUDFKaARm4?si=G7sXM1lqsqZfnPFv\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The Yard has celebrated its 10th anniversary. What does this milestone represent to you ? The Yard\u2019s 10th anniversary was a truly special milestone. It was an opportunity to reflect on how far we\u2019ve come, but also to celebrate the incredible journey we\u2019re still on. The event was particularly meaningful because it took place during a peak period for the studio, both in terms of staffing and projects. I felt immense pride in what we\u2019ve accomplished\u2014the talented people we\u2019ve brought onboard, the amazing films and series we\u2019ve contributed to, and the quality of work we\u2019ve delivered over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16x\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n For me, it\u2019s a mix of emotions. On one hand, it feels like the seven years I\u2019ve been part of The Yard have flown by, packed with constant growth and achievement. On the other hand, it\u2019s exciting to look ahead at the road before us, filled with so many opportunities still to seize and goals to reach.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\u00a0\u00bb1\/3″][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb8394″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The anniversary wasn\u2019t about nostalgia; it was about celebrating everyone who has contributed to this collective effort. I was particularly happy for Laurens, who has been the driving force behind this adventure and who brought us all together to make it happen.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\u00a0\u00bb16x\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Founder and Senior VFX Supervisor, Laurens Ehrmann at The Yard’s 10th anniversary celebration in Paris<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9655″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n It reminded me of moments like winning a C\u00e9sar<\/a>\u2014it\u2019s a fantastic recognition of what we\u2019ve achieved, but it\u2019s never the ultimate goal. The real success is in the journey itself and the continuous drive to move forward.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Looking ahead, what are your personal goals for The Yard and yourself? Looking ahead, my personal goals for The Yard revolve around strengthening our presence and impact within the industry ecosystem while maintaining the studio\u2019s core values and culture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ve already built strong partnerships as part of our strategy, such as our collaborations with schools like ArtFX<\/a> and Creative Seeds<\/a>, business partners like Pics Studio<\/a>, and research institutions like INRIA<\/a>. These relationships, along with our alignment with initiatives like ‘La Grande Fabrique de l’Image’<\/a> under the France 2030 plan, are critical in supporting both our growth and the broader development of the industry.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb5526″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb add_caption=\u00a0\u00bbyes\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb onclick=\u00a0\u00bbcustom_link\u00a0\u00bb link=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/kYUDFKaARm4?si=G7sXM1lqsqZfnPFv\u00a0\u00bb][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Moving forward, I want to deepen these connections and expand our local presence in the regions where we operate, including Montpellier, London, and other regional sites we plan to establish in the future. A personal challenge I embrace is ensuring that our diverse team continues to thrive by integrating their varied experiences and cultures while maintaining and enriching The Yard\u2019s unique studio culture.<\/p>\n Additionally, I aim to keep fostering an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration, where new members\u2014wherever they work\u2014can seamlessly join and contribute to our shared vision. This includes continuing our commitment to sustainability, such as our energy-saving initiatives, and bolstering The Yard\u2019s visibility and reputation locally and internationally, particularly in London, while adapting to and respecting cultural nuances. Ultimately, I want to see The Yard flourish as a place where both creativity and values come together to drive excellence and innovation.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=\u00a0\u00bb9657″ img_size=\u00a0\u00bbfull\u00a0\u00bb alignment=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n![\"Laurens](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Design-sans-titre-2024-05-29T155809.177.png\")
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![\"Marie](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Design-sans-titre-2024-05-29T155615.727.png\")
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![\"Harry](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Design-sans-titre-2024-05-29T162017.686.png\")
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![\"Virginie](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Design-sans-titre-2024-05-29T161403.754.png\")
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![\"Alexis](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Design-sans-titre-2024-05-29T160412.300.png\")
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![\"Muriel](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Design-sans-titre-2024-05-29T160935.592.png\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/theyard-vfx.com\/stage\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG-20241126-WA0000-1.webp\")
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