VISUAL effects group Red Vision is heading for Hollywood after winning a prestigious contract with Warner Bros.

The Manchester-based firm has been commissioned by the movie giant to produce computer generated imagery for the film Ocean's Thirteen, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.

The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is due for release next year.

Red Vision's J P Hersey flew to Los Angeles to meet with producer Jerry Weintraub to secure the win.

The brief was to produce a computer image of a casino which was then simulated to collapse in an earthquake. Mr Hersey said: "This is a high-profile commission for Red Vision. As a result of our work on Ocean's Thirteen, we are now firmly on Warner Bros' approved supplier list, so there is considerable scope for further high-profile commissions in the future.

"In fact, we already have two more on the stocks as a result of this initial work, which is very satisfying."

Red Vision is also opening an office in Toronto, Canada, next year in a move that will offer its clients lucrative tax breaks.

Expansion

Managing director Dave Mousley (pictured) said: "Expansion into Canada is a logical step, as we have a growing number of Canadian and North American clients.

"The new office will open with over $900,000 in existing commissions and we will be looking to double this in the first six months. We will be recruiting Canadian staff from day one.

"Having an office in Canada will also enable our clients to take advantage of the considerable tax benefits available to them.

"It's a win-win for all involved and the feedback from our client base has already been extremely positive."

Red Vision, which turns over é4.8m, was bought earlier this year by AIM-listed Inspired Gaming Group, in a deal worth up to é20m.

The group, which earned itself a Bafta for its visual effects in the feature film Touching The Void, provides visual effects such as computer generated imagery for a range of factual and sporting programmes.

Red Vision's broadcast customers include the BBC, Channel 4, Granada and the Discovery Channel.

The group is also a major player in "virtual" sports production, such as horse and greyhound racing and soccer.

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