A white gradient background with added grit and grime, creating a textured and distressed visual effect.

BOUNDARY PUSHING Visual Narratives

I craft dark, emotionally charged narratives across entertainment and gaming's biggest franchises.

Through a blend of cinematic storytelling and innovative techniques, I create unforgettable visual experiences—challenging expectations and resonating with audiences worldwide.

I craft dark, emotionally charged narratives across entertainment and gaming's biggest franchises.

Through a blend of cinematic storytelling and innovative techniques, I create unforgettable visual experiences—challenging expectations and resonating with audiences worldwide.

Richard Payne

A portrait of Richard Payne, highlighting his role as a Director and Motion Designer.

ENTERTAINMENT CLIENTS

A nostalgic photo of a young Richard Payne with his plasticine models, reflecting his early passion for creativity and storytelling.

Path & Purpose

I started by making stop-motion films with my dad as a child, lost in the pure joy of creating and storytelling. Now, directing for major game studios and television networks, that same raw excitement fuels my drive to break new ground.

Today, my work spans short films, title sequences, and game cinematics for franchises such as American Horror Stories, The Walking Dead, and Apex Legends. Years of dedication to my craft have earned multiple industry accolades, including Promax Gold and Silver, CLIO Gold, and Vega Platinum awards.

Awards

Vision & Craft

My approach has been shaped by visually striking films and the emotive power of music. I draw inspiration from groundbreaking directors like Robert Eggers, Denis Villeneuve, Ari Aster, and Jordan Peele. Dark, atmospheric, and high-energy music fuels my creative vision, adding depth to my storytelling.

Each project demands its own distinct visual language—whether that’s directing animation and live action or crafting dynamic motion design.

My work thrives on experimenting with new techniques, but the foundation never changes: strike deep and make these universes impossible to forget.

An image from Saints and Sinners: The Walking Dead game trailer, featuring a woman in a tense, atmospheric moment of survival.

Studios

A scene from Need for Speed Unbound featuring a stylish female character sitting on the bonnet of her Nissan in an underground parking lot.

Marvel’s Blade roaring as he charges toward the frame, capturing intense emotion and dynamic action in a cinematic moment.

Drive & Direction

My focus remains on creating bold entertainment that finds unexpected angles, with an ultimate goal of bringing visually fierce feature films to global audiences.

I'm always eager to collaborate on ambitious projects that demand innovation - from atmospheric short films to immersive game cinematics.

Do you have a franchise that needs a fresh perspective? A story that demands bold visual treatment?

Let's bring our vision to life.