Stage23 on LA tour

Co-founders of Stage23 Christian Debney and Jonathan Hairman are storming across LA this month. The duo are proudly representing Stage23 and the Australian VFX sector as part of Ausfilm Week 2026 taking place across the 18-23rd of October.

Stage23 are delighted to also be supporting the release of Cottesloe Films feature Whale Shark Jack to US audiences with the international premiere being held on Oct 17th at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

The debut international screening will feature a Q&A session with Whale Shark Jack co-Directors Miranda & Khrob Edmonds, Screenwriter Kathryn Lefroy, Co-Producer Estelle Buzzard and Christian Debney.

Stage23 was the lead VFX studio on the film creating the central two fully realised CG shark characters with a careful balance of research and anatomical accuracy that integrated seamlessly with live-action footage shot alongside real whale sharks at Ningaloo. Beyond creature work, Stage23 delivered extensive environment and effects sequences including storm- driven ocean systems and wild weather effects.

Tickets for the Newport Beach Film Festival events can be booked at: https://nbff2026.eventive.org/films/6aa310251699924621fc705a