EL RANCHITO APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT

22 October, 2024 – LOS ANGELES - Pitch Black, the parent company of leading visual effects studios FuseFX, FOLKS, Rising Sun Pictures, and El Ranchito, is excited to announce the appointment of Manuel Ramírez as President of El Ranchito.

Taking over from co-founder Félix Bergés, Ramírez, will manage the studio's daily operations and continue to position Spain as a central hub for visual effects on the global stage. Bergés, who was instrumental in the studio’s growth and international acclaim, will

transition to an advisory role while continuing to support the company’s development and strategic direction.

A leader in the visual effects industry with over 20 years of experience, Ramírez steps into the role of President after serving as Studio Director for several years. During his tenure in this position, he played a crucial role in driving both the creative and operational success of El Ranchito.

His successful career has been fuelled by a dual passion for technology and the entertainment industry. With experience across various disciplines at El Ranchito, he has developed a deep understanding of the business. Joining the company in 2015 to establish and lead the effects department, he quickly became an essential part of the team and has taken on numerous leadership roles. Over time, he took on additional responsibilities as Head of VFX, managing operations, research and development, and pipeline development.

Ramírez’s vision is for El Ranchito to continue to drive excellence by inspiring creativity, prioritizing clients, and developing a world-class team of talented artists. The studio will continue pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, maintaining the highest quality standards, and advancing the growth of the VFX industry in Spain on a global scale.

As the VFX industry enters a new era of technological advancement, Ramírez is well-positioned to lead El Ranchito into the future. "It’s an honor to take on this new challenge," Ramírez said. "I’m excited to lead El Ranchito in this new phase, with the goal of strengthening our global presence and continuing to create an environment where creative talent can thrive."

Bergés, who selected Ramírez as his successor, is confident in his ability to carry forward his legacy and lead El Ranchito into the future. "It has been an honor over the last 20 years to help lead the El Ranchito team to where it is today. I feel very comfortable leaving the company in Manuel's capable hands, supported by an outstanding team that shares the same vision," said Bergés.

El Ranchito has already played a pivotal role in strengthening the Pitch Black group’s presence in Europe by establishing a foothold in a key market and enhancing its global reputation in the visual effects industry.

Pitch Black CEO Sébastien Bergeron admires Manuel's leadership, collaborative spirit, and vision. He is thrilled by the energy El Ranchito brings to the group and excited about the future. "Félix has done an exceptional job in positioning El Ranchito as a prominent visual effects studio, not only in Spain but globally, delivering outstanding work for its clients. Manuel is the perfect choice to take the reins and guide El Ranchito into its next chapter."

ABOUT EL RANCHITO
Founded in 2004, El Ranchito is a Spanish visual effects studio and has contributed to over 170 projects including The Mandalorian, Carnival Row, Five Days at Memorial, Halo, Shadow and Bone, See, Game of Thrones and Society of The Snow. El Ranchito's work is the result of the talent, creativity and imagination of their team. From their studios located in Madrid and Barcelona, they are able to make the impossible possible.
elranchito.es

ABOUT PITCH BLACK
Pitch Black is a global house of award-winning creative brands with a rich history in digital production for film, television and streaming media. Credited with some of the most iconic cinematic moments, the group is a powerhouse of industry-leading talent and technologies across the world’s hottest production and rebate locations.

Pitch Black brings together world-leading visual effects studios FuseFX, FOLKS, Rising Sun Pictures, and El Ranchito. The company has thirteen worldwide studio locations. Pitch Black is majority owned by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm.