Art and Entrepreneurship Fuel Economic Growth in Johnson City, TN

Johnson City, TN, is becoming a hub for creativity and innovation, with companies and organizations like ActionVFX and Create Appalachia leading the way.

By Kim Madlom on March 19, 2025

An artistic and entrepreneurial spirit is taking shape in the Johnson City region, where art and business intertwine to drive innovation and growth.

This creative synergy is growing the local economy. Companies like ActionVFX are transforming the region into a global source of visual effects, while Create Appalachia fuels this creative ecosystem by nurturing talent and fostering collaboration.

Setting the Stage for Visual Effects

ActionVFXa Johnson City-based company, is a prime example of this creative entrepreneurialism. It is building a vast library of high-quality visual effects (aka VFX) assets and setting the industry standard. Serving clients ranging from Hollywood studios to independent filmmakers, ActionVFX shows how creativity can spark successful entrepreneurship, positioning the company and the region as vital contributors to the global VFX industry.

Founder and CEO Rodolphe “Ro” Pierre-Louis launched ActionVFX to give artists the tools they need to succeed.

“I started learning visual effects when I was 14, spending countless hours teaching myself and trying to find good assets to practice with,” Pierre-Louis says. “I quickly realized that most available VFX elements weren’t meeting the standards that artists needed, and high-quality practice footage was even harder to find. ActionVFX creates professional-grade assets that would not only serve established studios but also help aspiring artists develop their skills. I wanted to solve the problems I faced as a young artist learning the craft.”

By curating a vast library of high-quality VFX assets, ActionVFX empowers filmmakers and game developers worldwide to bring their creative visions to life. Their library contains over 10,000 assets, including explosions, fire, smoke and debris. These elements enhance the realism of visual effects in films, television shows, video games and other media.

ActionVFX assets can be seen on the big screen in some of the biggest blockbuster films and television shows, such as Avengers: Endgame and Stranger Things. With a comprehensive collection of pre-keyed assets shot in 4K or higher resolution, the company’s assets are compatible with major VFX software like Adobe After Effects and Nuke.

“ActionVFX isn’t just building a library of assets – we’re building a future where visual effects artists can thrive as both creators and entrepreneurs,” Pierre-Louis says. “Our marketplace enables artists to monetize their expertise while maintaining the high standards our industry demands. We’re empowering the next generation of VFX artists to build successful careers doing what they love.”

ActionVFX

Empowering the Next Generation

With its mission of empowering entrepreneurs who combine creativity and technology, Create Appalachia is a crucial partner to innovative companies like ActionVFX. Create Appalachia, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is building a hub where artistic vision and entrepreneurial drive can intersect. It offers professional development opportunities, workshops, mentoring and networking events to help the region’s emerging businesses and creative talents flourish.

Recognizing the importance of early engagement, Create Appalachia also offers classes and camps for middle and high school students interested in exploring careers in digital media and the arts, ensuring a pipeline of future talent for the region’s burgeoning creative economy.

The result is a robust, energetic community of creatives working together to boost the region’s quality of life and career opportunities. Collaboration is a cornerstone of Create Appalachia’s approach. It partners with various organizations, including other nonprofits, educational institutions and economic development agencies, to maximize their impact and reach shared goals.

Another organization bridging the gap between art and technology is ETSU’s Digital Media Department, with alumni who have worked for major motion pictures. While enrolled in the Digital Media Department, students can dive into fields like digital animation, game design, visualization and visual effects. The program is ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 7 in the nation for animation and offers a minor for those seeking broader digital media knowledge. With a focus on hands-on experience, it equips the next generation of students to become leading digital media professionals.

The dynamic relationships between industry experts in the region proves that creativity can be a powerful engine for economic growth, putting Johnson City on the map as a rising star in visual effects and digital arts.