Olaf Skjenna is a Layout Supervisor at Cinesite, recognized for his sharp eye for visual storytelling and collaborative leadership. Credited as the ‘Director of Photography for Layout’ in several of our feature animation projects, Olaf leads the team responsible for staging, composition, and camera—ensuring that each shot serves the film’s emotional and cinematic vision. He works closely with the director and department supervisors to maintain consistency in lensing, camera language, and narrative flow throughout production.

Olaf’s career has spanned both the advertising and film industries. After studying audiovisual multimedia production in London, he worked as a camera operator, photographer, and graphic designer for clients like Ford, Hasbro, and TD Bank. In 2009, he moved into film, joining the Oscar Award winning VFX team at Weta Digital as a Layout Technical Director on Avatar. During his seven years at Weta, he contributed to many high-profile blockbusters before bringing his expertise to Cinesite.

For him, each project is its own reward—each film presents unique challenges, and seeing them through to completion is always a highlight.

What fuels Olaf’s passion is the opportunity to help create top-tier animated films while working alongside other creative minds. He finds meaning in building strong relationships across departments and fostering a positive, collaborative environment where great ideas can flourish.

Outside of work, Olaf is a car enthusiast, world traveller, and self-proclaimed “hot head” who grows super-hot peppers and makes his own hot sauce. He also continues to express his creativity with photography, visual art, music, and enjoys writing in his spare time.