Personal profile
Summary
Harry Potter 1-4, Children of Men, Band of Brothers, Entrapment and Spacejam – these are just some of the films I've worked on as a freelance compositor in the visual effects industry. I have experience compositing greenscreens and bluescreens, miniatures, matte paintings and computer-generated elements. My roles ranged from roto/prep artist to on-set and composite supervisor, helping me to develop a strong eye for detail, composition, lighting and colour.
I'm also a screenwriter and have recently completed a Masters in Creative Writing. I am interested in the way narrative and creative technologies can enhance each other.
Biography
Before coming to the University of Portsmouth, I worked for Cinesite, MillFilm, Moving Picture Company (MPC) and Double Negative (DNeg), creating visual effects for high-end motion pictures.
I became a CGI compositor after studying Visual History with Film Theory at university, followed by a graduate job at Cinesite, where I eventually became a supervisor. I was one of very few women on the team, so becoming supervisor was a pivotal moment.
Teaching Responsibilities
Although I'm most involved with the BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects course, I teach visual effects and compositing to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
What I like most about teaching is when students explain their problems then realise the solution as they describe the issue. Within an industry of ever-evolving technology, there are areas within visual effects where many students discover new aspects they can specialise in, while also becoming resilient and adaptable to change.
I'm developing industry projects, work placements and employment opportunities for Computer Animation and Visual Effect students. My current collaboration is with Portsmouth-based visual effects company Dark Cosmos Creative, and I hope to build more connections with the visual effects industry to provide client briefs for undergraduates so they can gain industry experience, make connections and expand their portfolios and showreels.
Research Interests
VFX and photo-realistic compositing, real-time compositing, virtual production
Education/Academic qualification
MA, Creative Writing, University of Surrey
Sept 2016 → Sept 2018
Award Date: 21 Nov 2018
Fellow, Higher Education Academy
Jan 2017 → Sept 2018
Award Date: 15 Nov 2018
External positions
External Advisor for programme approval of BA (Hons) Post Production and VFX, University of Salford
28 Nov 2018
Teaching Fellow in Digital Media Arts, University of Surrey
9 Nov 2015 → 21 Apr 2019
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Research output
- 1 Abstract
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An investigation of virtual production pipelines in the development of a mixed media animation experience
Buckner, J. P. & Wakefield, N., 11 Sept 2023.Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract
Open Access
Projects
- 5 Finished
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Photorealistic Asset Creation
Hull, A. (PI), Stevens, B. (CoI), Wakefield, N. (CoI), West, C. (CoI) & Aslam, D. (CoI)
6/10/23 → 31/03/24
Project: Research
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Sprint Project: House and Garden (Innovation)
Wakefield, N. (PI) & Buckner, J. (CoI)
1/06/23 → 31/07/23
Project: Innovation
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Sprint Project: House and Gardens
Wakefield, N. (PI) & Buckner, J. (CoI)
1/06/23 → 31/07/23
Project: Research
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Sprint Project: VFX in-camera workshop with Dark Cosmos Creative
Wakefield, N. (PI)
1/06/22 → 31/07/22
Project: Innovation
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Enabling XR Enterprise
Keeble, T. (PI), Garner, T. (CoI), Stevens, B. (CoI), Bailey-Ross, C. (CoI), Howell, P. (CoI), Pearse, S. (CoI), Wakefield, N. (CoI), Teba, T. (CoI), Hull, A. (CoI), Bostock, P. (CoI) & Counsell, A. (CoI)
3/11/21 → 1/12/22
Project: Innovation
Activities
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CCI & FHSS Research and Innovation Conference
Wakefield, N. (Presented paper)
9 Jul 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
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UCA PhD Student Conference 2025
Wakefield, N. (Presented paper)
24 Jun 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
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Multisensory Storytelling Summit
Wakefield, N. (Speaker)
22 May 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
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How I Use AI in my Creative Practice - Festival of Creative AI
Wakefield, N. (Speaker)
21 May 2025Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
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Unveiling the Silent Senses: An Immersive Exploration of Smell and Taste Impairment using Emerging Technologies and Generative Art
Wakefield, N. (Speaker)
27 Jun 2024Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
Prizes
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UK Film Festival 2018 3 Minute Script Competition
Wakefield, N. (Recipient), 15 Feb 2019
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)