Sony Pictures Imageworks expands creative leadership
December 14, 2023

Sony Pictures Imageworks expands creative leadership

Sony Pictures Imageworks (imageworks.com), the Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation company, has elevated two of its industry veterans to key creative leadership positions.
Michael Lasker will take on the role of Creative Director, CG Features. In addition to his VFX Supervisor role, Lasker will collaborate with filmmakers as they engage on new CG feature projects at Imageworks and help promote the company’s world-class look of picture team. 

Nicola Lavender will take on the role of Director, CG Supervision. In addition to her VFX Supervisor role, Lavender will oversee the studios’ CG and DFX Supervisors, providing strong leadership to those in these vital roles. 

Lasker and Lavender will report to Michelle Grady, President of Sony Pictures Imageworks. 

“Delivering exceptional work to our clients and stunning visuals to global audiences is a team effort that requires strong creative leadership. We are thrilled that Michael and Nicola have agreed to these additional responsibilities, strengthening the creative voice within Imageworks,” said Michelle Grady, President, Sony Pictures Imageworks.


Michael Lasker

Lasker has over two decades of experience working on live-action and animated features. His recent credits include the visually innovative SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, the Academy Award-nominated THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES, and the Academy Award-winning SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE.

“Collaborating with filmmakers, artists, and innovators to push the boundaries of artistry is at the core of what we do at Imageworks. I am excited for the creative journey that lies ahead,” said Michael Lasker, Creative Director, CG Features and VFX Supervisor. 

Lavender is currently serving as VFX Supervisor on the upcoming animated feature IN YOUR DREAMS for Netflix. With almost two decades of experience working on live-action and animated features, she most recently served as CG supervisor on the  Academy Award ®-nominated THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES and SMALLFOOT.


Nicola Lavender

“I am thrilled to lead our talented CG and DFX Supervisors. These groups are some of the most passionate, creative, and innovative in the industry and I am excited to see what we can achieve in the future,” said Nicola Lavender, Director, CG Supervision and VFX Supervisor 

Sony Pictures Imageworks, headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., has created visuals for more than 100 live-action and animated productions over its 31-year history. Most recently, Imageworks completed work on Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, Marvel Studios’ THE MARVELS, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA, and DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS, THE SEA BEAST for Netflix, Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios’ SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME, Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES and VIVO, and the Academy Award-winning SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. The studio is currently in production on Sony Pictures Animation’s K-POP: DEMON HUNTERS, IN YOUR DREAMS for Netflix, and Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE. Sony Pictures Entertainment is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation.

More about Sony Pictures Imageworks: https://www.imageworks.com