Our Team
Sphere Studios is home to the best talent in the industry, creating advanced technology and pushing creative boundaries to connect with our audiences.
Carolyn Blackwood
Head of Sphere Studios
Carolyn Blackwood is Head of Sphere Studios, leading the day-to-day operations of the Burbank-based studio and its interdisciplinary team responsible for creating, producing and delivering content for Sphere. The team provides a full suite of services across creative development, design, capture, production, post-production, visual effects and delivery. Under Carolyn’s leadership, Sphere Studios creates and executes content for Sphere Experiences, brand events, live residencies and the Exosphere. She drives production operations to fully leverage Sphere’s technical and creative capabilities while positioning the studio for continued growth.
Prior to Sphere, Carolyn served as the Chief Operating Officer of Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
Ned McNeilage
SVP, Head of Creative & Design
Ned McNeilage is Senior Vice President, Head of Creative and Design at Sphere Studios. He leads the in-house team that provides creative and design services and support for brand events, live residencies, and all marketing and merchandising creative initiatives. Ned also oversees creative content for the Exosphere, the venue’s fully programmable LED exterior, which showcases artistic content created by Sphere and renowned artists, as well as branded content from premier partners.
Prior to Sphere Studios, Ned served as the Chief Creative Officer of VML.
Andrew Shulkind
SVP, Head of Capture, Sphere Studios
Andrew Shulkind is Senior Vice President, Head of Capture at Sphere Studios, where he leads a diverse team of technologists and imagemakers. Andrew and his team are responsible for developing and deploying Sphere’s proprietary high-resolution camera platform, Big Sky. Designed specifically for Sphere’s 16K media plane and with a suite of custom lenses, Big Sky is the only camera capable of meeting the technical requirements for Sphere’s immersive environment.
Prior to Sphere Studios, Andrew was an experienced cinematographer working on over 100films, commercials and immersive projects.
Ricky Tydus
SVP, Studio Operations & Production Management
Ricky Tydus is Senior Vice President, Studio Operations & Production Management at Sphere Studios. He provides operational leadership across Sphere Studios including oversight of studio facilities and Big Dome, Sphere’s state-of-the-art research and testing facility in Burbank. Ricky also leads the production management functions for the Exosphere, Atrium and Experiential Activations. He works closely with Sphere’s creative, technical and executive teams to elevate production quality and drive innovation.
Prior to Sphere Studios, Ricky was the Senior Vice President of Creative Strategy and Film Operations at the Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
Ralph Winter
SVP, Head of Production
Ralph Winter is Senior Vice President, Head of Production at Sphere Studios. He oversees the teams responsible for the physical production of immersive experiences, brand events, and live residencies. Ralph’s leadership also spans post-production and VFX for Sphere’s media plane.
Prior to Sphere Studios, Ralph was a prolific film producer with credits spanning over 60 movies including the first four X-Men movies, the first two Fantastic Four movies, and both HocusPocus films.