Waxeye NZ | We are a workshop of wonder

Paul James

Creative Partner

Paul is a Waxeye co-founder and visionary creative lead. Not just a director but a hands-on creator, he brings 30 years’ experience of art and film magic to our creation process. He’s an active listener and teller of stories: taking our clients’ aspirations, and realising the creative vision and technical requirements to bring them to life. A treasure trove of knowledge and champion of wonder, he brings humour and big wave surfing stories to every project.

Tony Leslie

Managing Partner

Co-founder Tony manages the seamless flow of Waxeye’s many departments. Our pragmatic alchemist, he pulls together creative ideas and solutions, and goes the extra mile to get the job done. He expertly balances team guidance with knowing when to step away and let them work their magic – in order to get the best possible result. In between juggling human and studio resources, he can be found riding waves, snow and the odd production timeline.

Neil Patton

Director of XR Innovation

Neil is our client relationship manager and director of innovation. His experience client-side across brand, marketing and innovation gives him great empathy for clients because he’s been in their shoes. Always looking to what’s next, he couples his passion for the new, with genuine partnership and guidance: empowering our clients to stride into immersive tech with confidence. With his burning passion for future technology and Japanese funk, he keeps the studio evolving – and the office stereo vibing.

Claudio Varoli-Piazza

Digital Delivery Lead

As digital delivery lead, Claudio orchestrates projects with a conductor's prowess: keeping multiple plates spinning without missing a beat. Hailing from a technical background, he understands design and dev alike. And with his finger on the industry pulse, he brings the latest ideas and applications to make our outputs better. A retired Lego fanatic, he loves working strategically to deliver robust solutions that meet clients’ current, emerging and future needs.

Nadja Rausch

Digital Design Lead

A highly experienced designer and strategic thinker, Nadja leads the planning and design of all digital projects. With an open and honest communication style, clients value Nadja’s input, expertise and leadership to help make projects sing. Taking projects to heart, she leads with kindness, but isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions when she sees opportunity for improvement. Guiding her team with direction and pace, it’s no wonder she’s also a champion at dog agility.

Kelsey Jones

Creative Technology Lead

Kelsey excels at dreaming up entire worlds and then bringing them to life. Known as our multidisciplinary magician, he has the know-how and technical proficiency in so many disciplines that we’ve now lost count. From hardware to software and 3D visuals, he collaborates on our teams’ wild ideas, then executes them in a way that’s both technically and aesthetically impeccable. He has a bizarre fondness for hard: the gnarlier the challenge, the more he smiles. 

Alex Varganov

Development Lead

Overseeing solution architecture strategy, backend and API development, Alex is an expert in delivering well-made, future-proofed products that require minimal maintenance. A code-cracking master of logic and restraint, Alex is the bridge between tech and creative, ensuring the wheels of a project are always moving in the same direction. Fluent in both dev and human speak, he makes the most complicated things seem simple, easy – and strangely, fun.

Nisch Pokhrel

Lead Motion Artist

Nisch has been a key player in our most significant projects, showcasing his expertise in animation, visual effects, and virtual and augmented reality. As a master of his craft with a passion for tackling complex challenges, Nisch brings a meticulous touch to every project. Beyond his technical skills, he's also a karaoke enthusiast and a table tennis ace, proving he's a true all-around talent.

Sophie Bloomfield

Digital Project Manager

Meet Sophie, our dynamic hybrid project manager leading the way at our digital studio. Specializing in motion and immersive work, Sophie blends innovative thinking with meticulous project management to drive our most cutting-edge projects. Her energy and keen eye for detail ensure that every project not only meets but exceeds expectations. Sophie's seamless integration of creativity and organization makes her an invaluable asset to our team. When she's not fine-tuning timelines and budgets, you'll find her dominating the gaming scene on weekends.