Mr. X is a visual effects (VFX) studio headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2001 by Dennis Berardi, the company is known for its work on high-profile film and television projects, including collaborations with acclaimed directors such as Guillermo del Toro. Mr. X specializes in visual effects, creature design, art direction, and digital environments.
Contents
History
Mr. X was established in 2001 by VFX veteran Dennis Berardi, with the vision of creating a studio that prioritized artistry, innovation, and collaboration. The company quickly gained recognition for its work on projects such as Vikings and Penny Dreadful.
In 2014, Mr. X was acquired by Technicolor and integrated into its global network alongside other VFX brands like MPC and The Mill. Under Technicolor, Mr. X expanded its operations internationally, with studios in Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, Adelaide, and Bangalore.
Dennis Berardi left Mr. X in 2021 to launch Herne Hill Media, bringing with him over 60 original Mr. X artists. Following Technicolor's financial restructuring and the shutdown of several studios, Berardi reacquired the rights to the Mr. X name in 2025 and rebranded Herne Hill Media under the original banner.
Notable projects
Mr. X has contributed visual effects to numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful productions. Some of its notable credits include:
The Shape of Water (Academy Award-winning)
Crimson Peak
Nightmare Alley
The Strain (TV series)
Cabinet of Curiosities (TV series)
Monster Hunter
Ad Astra
Shazam!
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Eastern Promises
A History of Violence
The studio's first project under its 2025 relaunch was Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, which premiered in select theaters on October 17 and debuted on Netflix on November 9.
Leadership
As of the 2025 relaunch, Mr. X's leadership team includes:
Dennis Berardi - Founder, Creative Director, VFX Supervisor
Dave Sauro - Executive Producer
Mark Hammond - VFX Supervisor
Ben King - VFX Supervisor
Brandon Schaafsma - Head of Production
Jordan Nieuwland - Art Director
Filmography
Source:
Television
The Miniature Wife (2026)
The Boys (2026)
The Abandons (2025)
It: Welcome to Derry (2025)
Wednesday (2025)
Hotel Cocaine (2024)
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)
The Strain (2014-2017)
Vikings (2013-2014)