From Arctic cold to Hollywood sets
Thomas Reppen’s path into visual effects began early, with a love of drawing and animation. Originally aspiring to become a 2D animator, he was drawn into the emerging world of 3D as technology evolved. A formative moment came during his time in the Norwegian Navy near Spitsbergen.
“It was freezing,” he recalls. “Being trapped on a ship that far north for a year gave me that final push I needed, and I decided to go to California.”
After studying in San Francisco and working as an animator in Los Angeles, Thomas got his first major credit on The Day After Tomorrow. He spent ten years at Digital Domain. There, he worked in a cutting-edge environment that shaped his view of what VFX studios could and should be.
When the opportunity arose to return to Norway and lead Storm Studios, the timing felt perfect.
“They were looking for a managing director, and I had visited Storm before. It felt like a perfect match.”
CEO of Storm Studios, Thomas Reppen
Storm Studios was founded in 2003, employs around 80 people, and delivers high-end VFX for US episodic series and feature films.
Thinking beyond the domestic market
At that time, Storm Studios directed its efforts on commercials and Norwegian productions. Based on his experience from Los Angeles, Thomas saw that relying solely on the domestic market wouldn’t guarantee sustainability.
“You can’t wait for the biggest films to come to Norway,” he explains. “You have to build relationships, earn trust, and prove yourself over time.”
This took years of meticulous work: building secure pipelines, meeting studio requirements, and delivering technically demanding shots on time. Repeat clients became a turning point. By taking on more shots and sequences, and delivering consistently, Storm positioned itself as a trusted partner for major international productions.
The pandemic sped up this change. Remote workflows, improved file-sharing tech, and a global mindset across the industry made geography less of a barrier than ever before.
A studio known for challenging shots
Storm Studios has built its reputation for tackling work others shy away from.
“Clients often approach us with challenging effects — technically challenging simulations, complex environments, or specific ‘hero’ shots,” says Thomas.
Despite its relatively small size, Storm has consistently delivered key, high-impact sequences on major productions. This skill for solving tough, unique problems has gained the attention and trust from international studios.
As the company has grown, so has the scope of its involvement. Storm now manages bigger sections of productions, while maintaining a lean structure and a strong artistic focus.
“At the end of the day, we just want to make movies and enjoy the process,” Thomas says. “We focus on artistry, supported by solid technical foundations.”
Being the main VFX vendor on Sinners
A major milestone arrived when Storm Studios was chosen as the primary VFX vendor for Sinners. Their work on the project earned visual effects producer Espen Nordahl and the team an Oscar nomination. This was their first time leading visual effects on a large global project.
“With that role comes extra responsibility,” Thomas explains. “You have to roll with the punches.”
The schedule was tight, and the work was intense. The film challenged the team in several areas. It included large-scale environment work and complex sequences featuring burning CG characters splashing around in digital water, all shot in IMAX format.
“It was challenging, but also incredibly fun and creative,” he says. “The montage sequence was particularly demanding, but rewarding.”
Storm Studios were the main VFX partner on Sinners, developing and establishing key looks through the production. These included many hero twin shots (non-ML), cottonfield environments, and the death and associated FX of lead vampire Remmick at the crescendo of the film. Throughout the production Storm proved incredible creative collaborators, not only delivering consistently superb visuals, but also crafting efficient and adaptable workflows so they could address significant notes with impressive speed and effectiveness while maintaining relatively low shot costs.
In December 2025, Storm Studios was short-listed for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. They received this honour for two films: Sinners and The Electric State. This highlights the studio’s growing role in top-tier visual effects for global productions.
Emmy-winning work on The Last of Us
Storm Studios’ Emmy win for The Last of Us season one marked another defining moment. The studio was brought in early as the first VFX vendor, helping with research and development before filming even started.
The team was vital in developing the look of the cordyceps tendrils emerging from infected characters. The combination of digital effects with practical considerations informed how scenes were filmed on set.
“That early collaboration flipped the process,” Thomas explains. “By the time we got the shots, we were already comfortable with how to handle something so complex.”
Storm Studios continually amazed us with their outstanding visual effects for season 2 of The Last of Us, truly raising the bar and surpassing our expectations by delivering top-notch quality work.
The result was some of the most technically advanced work the studio has done to date. This work was recognised with an Emmy and established a new benchmark for Storm’s ambitions.
Technology and AI
Storm Studios takes a measured approach as tools and workflows, especially in terms of AI, change rapidly.
“We try to stay on top of developments, but not chase every new tool,” says Thomas. “There’s a lot of noise.”
Instead, the studio focuses on core skills and strong artists who know how to use the tools effectively. New technology is adopted when it serves the work — not the other way around.
“Artistry is still at the core,” he adds.
Culture as a competitive advantage
One of Storm Studios’ defining strengths is its internal culture. While many VFX studios depend on freelance artists, Storm focuses on keeping its team for the long-term.
“This is a team sport,” Thomas says. “A football team doesn’t change its players after every match.”
Based in Oslo, the studio benefits from being able to work together in person. Working together every day, solving problems as a team, and consistency in production lead to better results over time.
“With every show, the team gets better,” he says. “We know each other’s strengths. That gives us an edge.”
Working in the Star Trek Universe
Storm Studios’ work on Star Trek productions has been both creatively demanding and deeply rewarding. The franchise has a strong visual history and a clear internal “bible” that guides decision-making.
“Their universe is meticulously developed, so expansive,” Thomas says. “There’s so much thought behind everything.”
Within these constraints, Storm was given significant creative freedom. This allowed the team to explore new environments, alien worlds, and unexpected challenges, while still honouring the heart of the Star Trek universe.
“That balance is what makes it fun,” he adds.
Why Norway works for International VFX
Norway is a small country with a modest film industry, but Thomas thinks that’s part of Norway’s advantage.
“There is a strong work culture here. Rested and motivated, people can focus on the fun parts of the job.”
For international productions, this means stable teams, high-quality work, and a creative environment that nurtures excellence.
You can’t force art, you need the right conditions.
Looking ahead
Looking back over the last ten years, Thomas feels proud of Storm Studio’s progress. But he knows the journey isn’t finished.
“We’re not done,” he says. “We still have goals to reach.”
Storm Studios prioritizes sustainability, consistency, and delivering top-quality work on ambitious projects. They prioritise these values over pursuing growth without purpose.
“We don’t want to become huge,” Thomas concludes. “We want to be one of the very best, and we’re well on our way.”
