Real SFX Team

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Our skilled special effects team

Carmela
Company Director

Based in our HQ, Carmela leads our training, recruitment, sustainability, and business development initiatives. With a strategic vision and unwavering dedication, she spearheads the company’s efforts to cultivate talent, foster sustainable practices, and expand its reach in the industry. Carmela’s expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that Real SFX remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering exceptional results while maintaining a focus on environmental responsibility and professional growth. Her leadership drives the company forward, forging new opportunities and helping shape the future of special effects in the entertainment industry.

Dan Bentley
Senior SFX Technician

Dan has almost 20 years of experience in Special Effects. He is fully graded with the joint industry grading scheme for both physical special effects and Pyrotechnics. He has been with Real SFX right from the start and has worked all over the world on high-end productions such as Marvel films, Jurassic World, Disney features, and a vast number of TV productions. He specialises in Pyrotechnics, both large-scale and close artist proximity, firing and initiation design, and mechanical rigs. Dan is mainly involved with prep and builds across all the productions we cover.

Faye Robinson
Production Manager

Faye is a seasoned Production Manager behind the scenes at Real SFX with a wealth of experience. Her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organisational skills ensure that every project runs smoothly from conception to completion. Within Real SFX HQ, Faye is responsible for organising schedules, managing budgets, handling permits, paperwork, communications, and much more – whilst also providing crucial support to the production team and troubleshooting any challenges.

Will Houghman
SFX Technician

Will began his journey with Real SFX through an SGIL Cymru apprenticeship, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for special effects. After completing his apprenticeship, Will stayed with us full-time and has gone from strength to strength. He won the Creative Industries Award & Outstanding Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 Cardiff and Vale College Apprenticeship Awards. He was also recognised as one of the ‘100 Technicians: We Make the Difference’ and was awarded The Royal Society Hauskbee Award in 2023. Will’s role as an SFX Technician involves him being involved in the preparation, creation, and execution of our practical effects on set, including installing, rigging, and setting up atmospherics.

Charlie Harper
SFX Safety Advisor

Charlie serves as the Safety Advisor at Real SFX. In this critical role, Charlie ensures that all special effects operations adhere to strict safety standards, safeguarding the crew and talent during complex and potentially hazardous effects setups. His expertise helps maintain a secure working environment while enabling the creative team to execute spectacular and dynamic special effects safely​. Charlie has a wealth of experience within the industry, working on films including Star Wars, Skyfall, and the Dark Knight Rises, to name a few.

Rudi Griffiths
Assistant Co-ordinator

Rudi joined Real SFX through our SGIL Cymru apprenticeship programme, completing his training in 2024 and graduating in October 2025. Now a permanent member of the team, he supports the day-to-day running of our Production Office, assisting with coordination, logistics, and communication across projects. He also plays a key role in the management of KIT4CREW, coordinating workwear requests and overseeing collection bins across studios and productions throughout the UK, helping to ensure the initiative runs smoothly and continues to grow.

Harry Hargreaves
Head of Operations, KIT4CREW

As Head of Operations for KIT4CREW, Harry plays a key role in driving our green agenda and sustainability efforts within the industry. Despite being new to the business world, having recently completed his A Levels in Business, Product Design, Physics, and Drama, Harry has grown up immersed in the special effects industry, fueling his passion for innovation and sustainability. His contributions were pivotal in KIT4CREW’s recent recognition as Green Business of the Year at the South Wales Business Awards. Harry’s role includes co-ordinating operations, liaising with stakeholders and partners, managing project timelines, and leading all marketing activities – for KIT4CREW and within Real SFX.. With a fresh perspective and a dedication to making a positive impact, Harry is excited to support Real SFX’s mission of building a greener future in the industry.

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