Brant FX is a Vancouver-based special effects company primarily serving the film, TV, commercial, and music video industries, but their expertise extends beyond these fields.

Brant McIlroy, with a background in engineering, began his career in film in 1994 and soon after established his own proprietorship. Incorporated since 2008, Brant FX has continually expanded its range of services, focusing entirely on practical effects.

Brant FX offers a variety of services including atmospherics, pyrotechnics, prop building, animatronics, and some special effects makeup. They also specialize in sculpting, mold making, and custom metal fabrication.

Meet the Team

The team at Brant FX are specialists dedicated to their craft, bringing creativity and originality to every project. With over two decades of experience in the film and entertainment industry and beyond, Brant FX is your go-to source for exceptional special effects.

Brant FX Special Effects | Brant McIlroy

  • Founder | CEO

    Brant built his first computer when he was twelve using basic electronic components. In the same basement turned lab, he designed a laser gyroscope for flight navigation and brought home the Bronze and Silver medals in Science Achievements for Canada. Later, he did design work on electro pneumatic braking systems for locomotives. He truly loves the process of developing and designing from start to finish and coming up with new ways to solve a problem. The great thing about film is there is always a new challenge. When Brant is not busy working on a project you will hear him sharing his best puns.

Brant FX Special Effects | Katrina McIlroy

  • COO

    Katrina was formerly a Hairdresser and Hairdressing Instructor. Looking for a change, she started in film in 2005. She worked as a member of the DGC, Assistant Prop-Master, Prop-Master and as a Special Effects Technician. Katrina is now the Chief Operating Officer for Brant FX and is committed to a high level of professionalism that our crew brings to your production.

Brant FX Special Effects | Chris Valagao

  • Special Effects Supervisor

    Chris “Val” Valagao has been an important part of Brant FX for over 20 years and brings his exceptional skills and creativity to projects. When he is not working on creating Special Effects, Val is working on his other labour of love, his well established musical career.

Brant FX Special Effects | Sean Moran

  • Special Effects Technician

    Sean Moran is the newest member of the crew. He is quickly gaining experience as a Special Effects Technician and is a valued member of the team.

Brant FX Special Effects | Kelsey McIlroy

  • Special Effects Set Lead

    Kelsey “Chicken” FX McIlroy has grown up in the industry with the best teachers. Since the early age of seven, Kelsey would accompany her Dad, Brant, to many film sets over the years. She now works full time as a Special Effects Technician. When she’s not working, Kelsey makes her physical health a priority and also loves coffee and books.

CORE VALUES

Innovation

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Quality

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Creativity

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Safety

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Collaboration

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Integrity

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Innovation • Quality • Creativity • Safety • Collaboration • Integrity •

  • "Brant was an absolute pleasure to work with and he and his team always went above and beyond to provide the film with SPFX that dazzled and complimented every scene called for. Brant always approached each challenge on how we can do it and not how we can not. With his professionalism and experience he always explained exactly what was going to happen with regards to a scripted SPFX and provided a safe and secure environment for the cast and crew to be part of. I would highly recommend Brantfx on any project regardless of the budget."

    Peter Dashkewytch, First Assistant Director

  • "Brant FX continually proves to be reliable and professional, along with being a total gem to work with!"

    Ally Kimura, Production Coordinator

  • “As a 1st AD I can't say enough about how important safety is on a film set. Brant FX and his team are at a level way beyond most. With safety always Brant and his team deliver what is asked by the director, not only that Brant always has an idea or a thought of how to make it easier to get the shot, most out of production value and staying within budget. Brant FX and the team are always my go to for any FX I need on set!”

    Michele E. Dutka, First Assistant Director