DNEG Taps Legendary Entertainment Alum Josh Jaggars

Visual effects (VFX) and animation studio DNEG has hired former Legendary Entertainment executive Josh Jaggars as group president of VFX and stereo.

Based in Los Angeles, Jaggars will lead the global VFX and stereo conversion teams for the DNEG Group, comprising DNEG and its ReDefine division. He will oversee the company’s client relationships and leverage the company’s production and creative strengths to drive new business and further inspire dynamic new VFX approaches.

Jaggars joins DNEG from Legendary Entertainment, where he had served as senior VP of visual effects and stereo production since 2017. His credits include Dune, Godzilla vs. Kong, Enola Holmes, Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Prior to that, he was a VFX producer at Warner Bros., with credits on Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League and Man of Steel.

“I am delighted to welcome Josh to our senior leadership team; his appointment is further evidence of the culture of excellence that we are building here at DNEG,” said Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra, to whom Jaggars will report. “I have had the pleasure of working with Josh for many years, including most recently on Dune, for which DNEG was the lead VFX partner. By bringing his experience and expertise to the leadership of DNEG’s world-class VFX and stereo teams, Josh will further enhance our ability to bring together innovative technology and industry-leading creative talent to create award-winning work.”

Malhotra continued, “Furthermore, as we expand our horizons beyond VFX and animation to become a content creation partner to the industry, I am excited that Josh will be onboard to lead our creative engagement and provide new production solutions. His experience will be invaluable as DNEG continues to establish itself as a collaborator and co-producer with our partners.”

Jaggars said, “After many years as a freelance producer, and more recently as a studio executive, I am thrilled to be returning to my roots to take on this new challenge with Namit and the DNEG team. This is an incredibly exciting time for our industry with many new opportunities for ambitious and visionary companies such as DNEG, which is forging a path that elevates it beyond the traditional facility/vendor relationship.”

“DNEG presents an opportunity for me to remain at the forefront of VFX, technology, and creative endeavors, where I can help to build an amazing portfolio across multiple platforms,” Jaggars continued. “Namit’s vision, and the expansion of DNEG’s global footprint, exemplify how this company is transforming beyond a pure-play VFX offering to become a next-level partner with content producers. DNEG has an incredible foundation with award-winning artists and visionaries. I look forward to expanding, innovating and furthering DNEG’s creative culture and commitment to our industry’s future.”