Æther/Or is a creative talent collective founded and led by executive producer and visual effects alchemist Matt Thunell, based on Earth. We specialize in high-end visual effects and animation for cinematic storytelling.
The name embodies a deliberate paradox: the tension between the aesthetic (beauty, sensory experience) and the ethical (utility, duty) — resolved not by choosing one, but by inhabiting both. Æther — the ancient fifth element — evokes the unseen, the subtle substance of the heavens beyond form. Or holds the electric charge of choice, the binary spark of creation. Together, Æther/Or stands for work that is simultaneously grounded and groundless — rooted in technical precision and real-world impact, while reaching into the immaterial realms of wonder and storytelling.
With 25 years in the industry, I’ve contributed to the magic of Star Wars and the mission of U.S. Space Force, blending artistic vision with clean execution. As sole proprietor and agent, I proudly represent Hatem Ben Abdallah and Wes Kandel —exceptional independent artist/directors with whom I’ve collaborated closely for many years, their talents resonating deeply with mine for studio and freelance projects. And now joined by artist/DJ ASTERIX whose cutting edge visual experiments and hyper-trap bring fresh energy to the collective.
All work shown reflects individual contributions from past roles; full credits and prior affiliations are available on each project’s Vimeo page.
We are available for:
At Æther/Or, we practice the alchemy of digital media — crafting immersive experiences that serve both beauty and purpose, entertainment and education, human and AI collaboration. In a world of either/or, we create the both/and.