Areograph Limited
Areo was founded in 2006 to commercialize photorealistic rendering research started in 2000.
We have an experienced research, production and hardware engineering team who are working together to make photorealistic computer graphics a reality today.
Areo has produced multiple award winning computer games, and is now focusing on bringing our latest generation of world leading computer graphics techniques to market.
Areograph Limited is a privately held company in Dunedin, New Zealand.
We have an experienced research, production and hardware engineering team who are working together to make photorealistic computer graphics a reality today.
Areo has produced multiple award winning computer games, and is now focusing on bringing our latest generation of world leading computer graphics techniques to market.
Areograph Limited is a privately held company in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Areo Team
Key Staff
Luke Reid - CEO. Luke gained a BSc in Computer Science at the University of Otago at the age of 19. During this time he started Entropy Creations, a company which funded his education primarily from developing early p2p software that was at one time one of the most popular downloads on the Internet. Entropy went on to develop an online Learning Management System, DRM software, downloadable 'desktop apps' (precursor to 'Skinkers'), and other Windows software. In 2000 Entropy developed software that was to be spun out to form 'Skinkers' in 2001.
As the co-founder and CTO of Skinkers Luke developed and deployed applications for clients such as the BBC, London Stock Exchange, Wall Street Journal, and hundreds of other clients (www.skinkers.com). In 2006 Skinkers entered into an IP-for-equity deal with Microsoft in a strategy aimed at bringing the world’s first true peer-to-peer Internet TV solution to market. Luke has numerous patents at various stages, including many which have been successfully published.
Jiri Fajtl – CTO. Jiri is an electrical engineer by training, and a genius problem solver by experience. Jiri was Luke’s right hand man at Skinkers for many years, and proved himself to all his peers to be someone who can be trusted to solve problems when all else fails. Jiri can turn his hand to any technical problem and will be successful in coming up with a result.
Sam Clarkson - Creative Director. Sam designed the 'Casebook' game series which utilized the first generation of Areograph technology. He also directs the Casebook film shoots and oversees post-production and marketing. Sam worked as a digital compositor and editor on over 100 documentaries for NHNZ (Natural History New Zealand) - who are owned by the Fox Network. Sam and his team were Emmy nominated for their work on the long running series 'Animal Planet's The Most Extreme'.
Dr. Philip McLeod – Lead research scientist. Phil studied Computer Science at the University of Otago graduating in 2002 with a BSc COSC (1st class Hons). He went straight into his PhD working under Prof Geoff Wyvill, who is one of the worlds most acclaimed computer graphics researchers and a pioneer in the field. Phil joined Areo after working in the games industry for just over a year. He brings exceptional development ability in areas, which most people in the industry would consider to be too difficult for practical application.
Dr. Steven Mills - Computer vision expert. Steven works on improving the processing pipeline from time of capture through to playback. Steven is one of NZ's leading experts in computer vision.
Justin Reid - Head of Engineering. Justin is responsible for designing and building all of Areographs equipment, from multi-ton motion control systems through to our custom made intricate cameras and optical systems.
Graham Hambleton - CFO. Graham has a diverse senior management background in both Australia and New Zealand. He has established a start up retail and wholesale business in Australia prior to moving to New Zealand in the early 1990s where he has worked in a range of industries – including retail, financial services and the health & disability sector.
More recently he has managed an emerging ICT business working in the field of online training (www.innovative-learning.com); this enterprise has formed a significant joint venture with a key partner in the US market and has qualified for support via the NZTE Market Development fund.
As the co-founder and CTO of Skinkers Luke developed and deployed applications for clients such as the BBC, London Stock Exchange, Wall Street Journal, and hundreds of other clients (www.skinkers.com). In 2006 Skinkers entered into an IP-for-equity deal with Microsoft in a strategy aimed at bringing the world’s first true peer-to-peer Internet TV solution to market. Luke has numerous patents at various stages, including many which have been successfully published.
Jiri Fajtl – CTO. Jiri is an electrical engineer by training, and a genius problem solver by experience. Jiri was Luke’s right hand man at Skinkers for many years, and proved himself to all his peers to be someone who can be trusted to solve problems when all else fails. Jiri can turn his hand to any technical problem and will be successful in coming up with a result.
Sam Clarkson - Creative Director. Sam designed the 'Casebook' game series which utilized the first generation of Areograph technology. He also directs the Casebook film shoots and oversees post-production and marketing. Sam worked as a digital compositor and editor on over 100 documentaries for NHNZ (Natural History New Zealand) - who are owned by the Fox Network. Sam and his team were Emmy nominated for their work on the long running series 'Animal Planet's The Most Extreme'.
Dr. Philip McLeod – Lead research scientist. Phil studied Computer Science at the University of Otago graduating in 2002 with a BSc COSC (1st class Hons). He went straight into his PhD working under Prof Geoff Wyvill, who is one of the worlds most acclaimed computer graphics researchers and a pioneer in the field. Phil joined Areo after working in the games industry for just over a year. He brings exceptional development ability in areas, which most people in the industry would consider to be too difficult for practical application.
Dr. Steven Mills - Computer vision expert. Steven works on improving the processing pipeline from time of capture through to playback. Steven is one of NZ's leading experts in computer vision.
Justin Reid - Head of Engineering. Justin is responsible for designing and building all of Areographs equipment, from multi-ton motion control systems through to our custom made intricate cameras and optical systems.
Graham Hambleton - CFO. Graham has a diverse senior management background in both Australia and New Zealand. He has established a start up retail and wholesale business in Australia prior to moving to New Zealand in the early 1990s where he has worked in a range of industries – including retail, financial services and the health & disability sector.
More recently he has managed an emerging ICT business working in the field of online training (www.innovative-learning.com); this enterprise has formed a significant joint venture with a key partner in the US market and has qualified for support via the NZTE Market Development fund.
Board of directors
Graeme Wong – Chairman. Graeme graduated from Victoria University with a BCA (Hons) and since then has worked for 29 years in the financial and investment markets. During this period Graeme spent 6 years in stockbroking, 2 years establishing the New Zealand (financial) Futures Exchange, and 12 years as the New Zealand Investment Manager for Brierley Investments Limited. In the past 9 years he founded and became Executive Chairman of Southern Capital Limited an investment company listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX) focusing on property and equity investment.
This Company evolved into Hirequip New Zealand Limited, the largest general equipment hire firm in NZ with 55 branches throughout the country. This business was recently sold to private equity interests. Graeme's previous directorships include Sealord Group Limited, having been involved in the original acquisition in partnership with Maori under the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Settlement, Tasman Agriculture Ltd, Magnum Corporation Limited (now named DB Group Limited), and At Work Insurance, (the SOE formed to insure workplace accidents by the previous National Government). He was also for 9 years an Alternate Director of Air New Zealand Limited. Graeme is also a member of the Management Board of Samuel Marsden Collegiate School.
Gowan Pickering – Director. Gowan is currently an Associate Commissioner of the NZ Commerce Commission - For over three decades Gowan operated in the information technology industry for IBM. This culminated in his seven-year appointment as the New Zealand IBM Chief Executive Officer and Chairman from 1991 – 1998. In this period he oversaw the integration of IBM New Zealand into a worldwide management system. He was Chief Executive for the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology for four years from 2000. He is currently a board member of a number of start-up technology companies and is a trustee of the Capital Primary Health Organisation.
John White - Director. John is currently CEO of Invest South. John has been in the finance and investment scene for over 30 years. John is also a Director of Bush Road Limited. He has an LLB, MBA and is a licensed share broker.
This Company evolved into Hirequip New Zealand Limited, the largest general equipment hire firm in NZ with 55 branches throughout the country. This business was recently sold to private equity interests. Graeme's previous directorships include Sealord Group Limited, having been involved in the original acquisition in partnership with Maori under the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Settlement, Tasman Agriculture Ltd, Magnum Corporation Limited (now named DB Group Limited), and At Work Insurance, (the SOE formed to insure workplace accidents by the previous National Government). He was also for 9 years an Alternate Director of Air New Zealand Limited. Graeme is also a member of the Management Board of Samuel Marsden Collegiate School.
Gowan Pickering – Director. Gowan is currently an Associate Commissioner of the NZ Commerce Commission - For over three decades Gowan operated in the information technology industry for IBM. This culminated in his seven-year appointment as the New Zealand IBM Chief Executive Officer and Chairman from 1991 – 1998. In this period he oversaw the integration of IBM New Zealand into a worldwide management system. He was Chief Executive for the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology for four years from 2000. He is currently a board member of a number of start-up technology companies and is a trustee of the Capital Primary Health Organisation.
John White - Director. John is currently CEO of Invest South. John has been in the finance and investment scene for over 30 years. John is also a Director of Bush Road Limited. He has an LLB, MBA and is a licensed share broker.
Intellectual Property Advisor
Jerome Spaargaren
Graduated from Oxford University with a first class degree in physics. He was one of the youngest ever to pass the British professional examinations, and has a great deal of experience in acting for clients at the UK and European Patent Offices, and worldwide. Your browser may not support display of this image. EIP (www.e-ip.com) is a firm with particular expertise in the protection of electronics-related innovation. We advise on all aspects of intellectual property including patents, trade marks, registered designs, know-how, copyright and database rights.
Graduated from Oxford University with a first class degree in physics. He was one of the youngest ever to pass the British professional examinations, and has a great deal of experience in acting for clients at the UK and European Patent Offices, and worldwide. Your browser may not support display of this image. EIP (www.e-ip.com) is a firm with particular expertise in the protection of electronics-related innovation. We advise on all aspects of intellectual property including patents, trade marks, registered designs, know-how, copyright and database rights.