Meet the Founders
Jeff Kleiser >>
Diana Walczak >>
About Synthespian Studios
The word, “synthespian”, a portmanteau derived from [ syn ( thetic ) + thespian ] and meaning “digital actor”, was coined by Jeff Kleiser and Diana Walczak in 1987. Synthespian Studios is a design and production team specializing in digital character animation and visual effects. Launched by directors Jeff Kleiser and Diana Walczak (who helmed the Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company), Synthespian Studios brings years of innovation to the field. Founded in 1987, this award-winning company features an extraordinary team of dedicated artists, technologists and managers whose combined expertise has resulted in establishing the company as one of the premiere animation houses of its kind. They are known for their pioneering work on computer-generated humans, the first digital stunt doubles, and digital face replacement. Beyond feature films, their diverse experience also spans special venue attractions, television, advertising and interactive projects. This team operates out of production studios in Hollywood, California and at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in the Northern Berkshires.
Among their wide repertoire, Synthespian Studios’ work may be seen in major feature films such as X-men, Fantastic 4, Surrogates… and even the Columbia Pictures logo! They are also the digital wizards behind the “Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man” virtual-reality ride at Universal Studios. They are expanding their expertise internationally and have worked with clients in China and India. Jeff Kleiser supervised the visual effects for India’s biggest superhero/VFX movie to date, Ra.One (starring Shah Rukh Khan) for which Synthespian Studios designed and programmed the smart cube transitions. They are currently working with Bose Ride to simulate their vibration-cancelling technology.