Rainmaker Entertainment Elevates Talent Exec

VANCOUVER: The Canadian animation studio Rainmaker Entertainment has promoted Tara Kemes from director of talent development to the newly created post of VP of culture and talent.

Kemes has been with Rainmaker since 2009. She will now lead the company's recruiting efforts, while continuing to develop the culture at the studio as it expands its creative and technical teams. Kemes reports to Kim Dent Wilder, the company's senior VP of production and operations.

As part of her efforts, Kemes will be leading recruitment at the upcoming SIGGRAPH conference and exhibition, held in Vancouver August 10 to 14.

“The community of Rainmaker’s artists and technologists comprise a unique, inspiring environment that challenges people to aim higher and think differently about the creative process,” explained Dent Wilder. “Tara’s innate ability to connect with people, her exceptional vision in marrying personalities to projects and her thorough understanding of what is required to execute the studio’s production commitments  makes her an invaluable member of Rainmaker’s leadership team. Tara has demonstrated a true passion for nurturing talent and, as Rainmaker continues to expand, we believe she’ll be a tremendous asset in both growing our team and preserving the culture that defines our company.”

“Vancouver offers a wealth of opportunities for creative talent and the SIGGRAPH Job Fair definitely helps us get out in front of thousands of potential team members,” added Kemes. “The challenge for us is in identifying the people who have the talent, vision and desire to make an impact on this industry and who also share Rainmaker’s desire for a sense of comradery and community among our team members. We’ve hired about 100 people since the beginning of the year and with our current production commitments will likely hire another 80 or more artists and technologists before the end of the year. And while that expansion is welcomed, it’s also extremely important to all of us at Rainmaker that we maintain the independent studio spirit that makes Rainmaker such a supportive creative environment.”