Title: Owner
Company: Roundy FX
Location: Pleasant Grove, Utah, United States
Ryan D. Roundy, Owner at Roundy FX, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Special Effects.
Mr. Roundy is lauded for his expertise in special effects, particularly pyrotechnic and atmospheric effects such as wind, rain, fog and snow. As the founder and owner of Roundy FX since 2013, he has overseen the company’s growth and reputation within the Utah film industry. In this capacity, Mr. Roundy manages a team of skilled professionals, entrusting his foreman with daily operations while providing guidance and support drawn from decades of experience. He remains actively involved on-site, working in both metal and wood shops and utilizing advanced equipment, including CNC plasma cutters and routers. His responsibilities extend to scheduling jobs, handling administrative tasks, such as payroll and paperwork, engaging creatively in shop projects, and assisting with construction and maintenance. Mr. Roundy also fosters a collaborative environment by welcoming blacksmiths to use the company’s forge for creative pursuits.
A career journey in special effects that began at age 16, Mr. Roundy was influenced by his family’s deep roots in the film industry. His father was an effects artist while his mother managed props. His uncle also contributed to the field. Mr. Roundy’s early experience included collaborating with his father on the Fox television special “Here Come the Monsters.” After graduating from high school, he joined his father’s crew on the feature film “Six Days, Seven Nights,” starring Harrison Ford.
After college, Mr. Roundy worked alongside renowned effects expert Bert Dalton on major productions, such as the new Star Trek movies and “We Bought a Zoo.” In 2008, he relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to capitalize on emerging tax incentives that attracted high-profile projects like “Breaking Bad.” After his father’s retirement in 2013, Mr. Roundy returned to Utah to establish a rental company supporting local productions with specialized effects equipment. Despite initial challenges, he contributed to various significant projects, including “Yellowstone” and “Fallout,” managing both large-scale and independent productions.
Following high school, Mr. Roundy served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then acquired an associate degree in automotive technology from The University of Utah in Salt Lake City in 1999. Mr. Roundy’s studies focused on auto body repair, mechanics, machine tooling and welding, all skills that have proven invaluable throughout his career in mechanical special effects.
Throughout his career, Mr. Roundy has been an active member of industry organizations, including ASEPO Inc. and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, reflecting his commitment to professional standards and collaboration within the field. His network now extends nationally through partnerships with experts like Warner Henline in New Mexico and consultation with a lead Disney Imagineer.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Roundy is dedicated to supporting future generations of filmmakers by donating financial resources, equipment and materials to student films at local high schools and film programs at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. He has also become known for mentoring children in welding and operating CNC equipment in his shop. Moreover, Mr. Roundy has contributed time through mission work with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Among Mr. Roundy’s most notable achievements is serving as the department head for “Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 2,” directed by Kevin Costner. Although its predecessor underperformed and “Horizon 2” was not released, leading such a substantial project marked a milestone in his career and earned him recognition from former mentors. More recently, Mr. Roundy contributed as a special effects technician on “Train Dreams,” a Netflix production filmed in Washington in 2024. This project holds personal significance for Mr. Roundy as it embodies the artistic vision that inspired him to enter the film industry.
Mr. Roundy attributes much of his success to relationships cultivated within the industry and credits his upbringing on movie sets for providing unique opportunities to learn from accomplished professionals. He is committed to fostering a collaborative atmosphere in which crews function as cohesive units, a quality he believes is essential to successful productions, regardless of budget constraints.
Looking ahead, Mr. Roundy aims to expand Roundy FX by developing visual effects that achieve realism beyond what artificial intelligence can replicate while maintaining cost-effectiveness and sustainability for clients’ projects. He envisions eventually passing leadership of the company to trusted team members while continuing to consult within the industry. Mr. Roundy hopes that his name will remain synonymous with skilled, reliable effects work and positive collaboration, qualities that have defined both his career trajectory and contributions to the broader film community.
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