• Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024
Uppercut adds Alex Hagon as editor and partner
Alex Hagon
NEW YORK -- 

Postproduction house Uppercut has added Alex Hagon as editor and partner. Hagon’s positioning as Uppercut’s first official partner is the initial step in incorporating this role into the company’s leadership.

“We have expanded to three offices [NYC, Atlanta, L.A.] across the U.S. in the last few years, and it’s time to collaborate with new partners to bring new perspectives and help shape and grow the company into the future,” said Uppercut’s founder and editor, Micah Scarpelli. “Alex is the perfect fit as a partner at Uppercut. With the culture we’ve built, he’s the exact partner we need: someone adept at many editing styles, an expert in all things postproduction, and always open to collaborating and digging in with other creatives.” 

Hagon is an award-winning editor from Bristol, England. His work includes editing spots for brands like Macy’s, Jack Daniels, GM, Adidas, Chanel, Amex, Samsung, Modelo, and FanDuel. He’s collaborated with directors like Drake Doremus, Nicolas Winding Refn, Luc Besson, David O. Russell, Anna & Ewan, and Anh Vu. Hagon’s edits have earned him many accolades throughout his career from awards shows like Cannes Lions, D&AD, APA, BTAA, The Kinsale Sharks, and LA Comedy Festival.

“When I graduated university I hoped to have a career as a drummer, but I got the chance to work with three fantastic and diverse editors and soon realized that editing shares a lot of similarities with drumming: rhythm, pace, and timing are at the heart of editing. It feels intuitive to me,” said Alex Hagon of his editing style. As for connecting with Uppercut, he shared, “I’m very excited to partner with Micah. I’m looking forward to building upon the success Uppercut has had already. Having run my own company, I’m keen to share some ideas and thoughts about how I see our industry evolving. I’ve also always championed assistants and junior editors. It will be fun to mentor the up-and-coming talent and build on my own journey.”

Lisa Sadek, Uppercut’s NY executive producer, said of Hagon, “We met judging on a panel and quickly realized we had very similar ideas about all the spots we were reviewing. I knew he’d be a great fit with us right away. His outstanding experience makes him an outstanding editor with a deep understanding of the business and a vision of evolving and growing within the industry.”

  • Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024
Motion Picture Academy promotes Teni Melidonian, MaryJane Partlow
Teni Melidonian (l) and MaryJane Partlow
LOS ANGELES -- 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Teni Melidonian to chief Oscars officer and MaryJane Partlow to executive VP, awards production and special events. Melidonian will continue to report directly to Academy CEO Bill Kramer. Partlow will report to Melidonian.

Melidonian will lead strategy, talent relations, special events and production teams for all awards programs and events in this newly created position. She will collaborate closely with the Oscars producers and show host, Disney/ABC, and Academy leadership, including the Board of Governors and its committees, and oversee the teams involved in developing and executing the Oscars for a global viewing audience.

As the lead liaison with Disney/ABC, the Academy’s broadcast distribution partner, Melidonian heads Oscars ad sales, marketing, advertising and synergy strategies supporting audience growth opportunities globally. Partlow will lead the teams in producing all awards special events throughout the Oscars season, including the Governors Awards, nominations announcement, nominees luncheon, Scientific and Technical Awards, and the Oscars Governors Ball. 

“These positions and department are vital to the Academy’s evolution and success as we head into our 100th Oscars and beyond,” said Kramer. “Teni is creative and forward-thinking--and her years of Academy experience and strong knowledge of our awards are a huge asset for our organization during this exciting and historic time. She played a critical role in the success of last year’s show. MaryJane is a truly innovative leader, and her prowess in producing top-notch events is exceptional. I am deeply grateful for their strategic partnership and support.”

In 2022, under Kramer’s leadership, Melidonian led the newly created Oscars strategy division, successfully creating a unit working year-round on all awards-related programs. The team also oversees guest and nominee ticketing and seating for awards season events and spearheads member screenings.

Melidonian was most recently EVP of Oscars strategy. She began her Academy career in 2005 as a publicist, advancing to head communications and publicity and overseeing brand strategy and marketing before moving over to lead the Oscars Strategy team. Prior to the Academy, Melidonian worked in Washington, D.C., including for the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia. 

Partlow joined the Academy in 2013 and most recently held the position of sr. VP, awards production and special events, contributing significantly to the Academy’s marquee events. Prior to joining the Academy, Partlow produced events for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Emirates airline and several high-profile global philanthropic families.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024
Editor Tyrone Rhabb joins Cut+Run
Tyrone Rhabb
NEW YORK -- 

Cut+Run has added editor Tyrone Rhabb to its roster. Rhabb is a New York based film editor whose work encompasses commercials, branded content, music videos and documentaries. His creative imprint can be seen on his collaborations with Nike, Away, Adidas, Fitbit, ESPN, and The Lion King.

“Tyrone’s thoughtfulness and fresh take on editing really come alive in his work,” said Cut+Run editor/partner Gary Knight. “He has a unique way of infusing humanity into his edits and he also has an incredible sense of the power of music and sound. And, on top of all of that, he’s a lovely bloke.”

Rhabb first became interested in filmmaking in childhood when he was captivated by movies and production techniques. He grew up in a musical household surrounded by artists who nurtured his creative interests. After graduating college, Rhabb worked on set as a gaffer, then quickly turned to editing. He started in unscripted series, before working at WildChild, Uppercut and ArtClass, and has worked extensively as a freelance editor. 

“I always wanted to work in a creative field and really found my calling in editing,” said Rhabb. “From how music connects to a cinematic world and the connections that are made in collaboration, to the ability to impact people in a short period of time through the unexpected or original--all inspire me.”

  • Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024
Peter Doyle joins Picture Shop as supervising colorist
Peter Doyle
LOS ANGELES -- 

Peter Doyle has joined Picture Shop as supervising colorist. Doyle, who will be based in Los Angeles, brings 25 years of experience including work on Oscar-winning films such as “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” “Cyrano,” “The Theory of Everything,” “Inside Llewyn Davis,” “King Kong,” and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

“Peter is well known throughout our industry for his collaboration, innovation and artistry,” said Picture Shop president Cara Sheppard. “His addition to our outstanding global team will only further strengthen Picture Shop’s offerings to filmmakers.”

Doyle’s list of feature credits includes such diverse films as Azazel Jacobs’ “His Three Daughters,” Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed III,” Ethan Coen’s “Drive Away Dolls,” Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentleman,” Tim Burton’s “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow,” as well as David Yate’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and 2,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”

A sought-after collaborator in technology development, Doyle used custom software to color grade scenes of the “The Matrix” and employed the first DI grading packages for “The Lord of the Rings.” He helped create a DI facility for WB to grade the Harry Potter films and worked with the Coen Bros. on their first digitally originated film “The Battle of Buster Scruggs.” 

Prior to joining Picture Shop, Doyle was at PostWorks New York. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Production and Technology Branch, an associate member of the American Society of Cinematographers and an executive member of SMPTE.

“Picture Shop offers artists an amazing opportunity to have a global reach with locations around the world, which is essential for filmmakers,” noted Doyle. “Depth of knowledge, a deep pool of experience, workflows and resources all allow the Picture Shop team to handle everything from a NY indie to a large, tentpole vfx intensive film. I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

In addition to its Los Angeles facilities, Picture Shop--which is Streamland Media's picture division--maintains locations such as New York, Toronto, and Vancouver with international locations in the U.K. that include London, Manchester, Bristol, Wales and Pinewood Studios.

  • Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023
Meliz Yilmaz promoted to head of production at Voyager
Meliz Yilmaz
BROOKLYN, NY -- 

Production company Voyager has promoted Meliz Yilmaz to head of production. She has contributed to various commercial and branded projects for brands such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, Google, and Walmart, among many others. In her new role she will contribute to overseeing all film and commercial projects, help establish and maintain new vendor and client relationships, and develop workflows to ensure a smooth and efficient production process. 

Yilmaz said of her new role, “It’s such a privilege to continue to develop the journey I’ve been on, now on an even larger scale. From day one, Voyager’s values have deeply aligned with those of my own and they have crafted a culture where everyone’s voice, regardless of experience, is not just heard but respected.”

Meliz started as a PA on indie films in Nashville. Participating in numerous 48-hour film festivals nationwide, she found her way into Atlanta’s thriving film scene, using those experiences as a stepping stone to enter the industry. From freelance line producer to production manager/coordinator, her roles began to flourish as she started working on various large-scale music videos. A connection through mutual friends led her to Voyager, where in 2020, she was welcomed as a full-time staff production manager in Brooklyn. Blending her field expertise with her new-found commercial focus, Meliz quickly became an asset to the Voyager family, assisting in guiding projects from start to finish and continually innovating processes along the way. 

Voyager EP Alissa Feldbau said, “Meliz has shown her strengths as our in-house production manager and supervisor over the past three years, but her talent doesn’t end there. Not only has she helped shape our internal production process, she’s built relationships with our crew members, vendors, and clients, and has made everyone we work with feel supported beyond measure. She has tackled everything from payroll expertise, post across projects of all sizes, multi-city job wraps, and much more! Needless to say, she’s a pretty dang wonderful member of the Voyager-fam and we can’t wait to see her grow into her new role!” 

In the coming year, Voyager will be taking on various postproduction projects with a couple documentaries in the works. Meliz played a pivotal role in producing Rapha Film Fund’s In Tandem, directed by Chrris Lowe and Charles Frank. 

  • Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
Krista McCrimmon joins Firehouse as group creative director
Krista McCrimmon
DALLAS -- 

Independent ad agency Firehouse has hired Krista McCrimmon as its new group creative director.  

McCrimmon has worked at agencies including 22 Squared, TM Advertising, Johnson & Sekin and Recreation Dallas. She has worked with a range of brands like American Airlines, Ace Cash Express and 7-Eleven and has been recognized as a leading woman in advertising when she was named a 2019 Shining Star by the Dallas chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). 

“Firehouse is always pushing clients to challenge conventional thinking and break the cycle of status quo behaviors– Krista is a fantastic addition who will help further our goal of leveraging creativity to foster positive and enduring relationships between our clients and their customers,” said Tripp Westbrook, president and chief creative officer at Firehouse. “She is one of the industry’s top creatives and her talent, values and smarts will shape and influence our agency’s future in the best of ways.”   

McCrimmon said, “Firehouse is an agency I have been interested in for a long time, and I couldn’t be more stoked to have finally landed here. I’m ready to help elevate and support Firehouse’s exceptional team of creators while continuing to make the agency’s brands stand apart from the competition.”   

Firehouse clients include The Dallas Zoo, Lennox, Trupanion, HOA Brands, Stryker, Coinstar, Toyota and Mary Kay.   

McCrimmon graduated from the University of North Texas with a major in communication design and a minor in advertising. 

  • Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023
Karen Hennegan named EP for Friend or Føe 
Karen Hennegan
NEW YORK -- 

Karen Hennegan has been appointed executive producer for Friend or Føe, the creative editorial division of LVLY. 

“Karen’s experience working with clients on both the agency side and in postproduction has armed her with a unique perspective on their needs today. Karen has witnessed firsthand the evolving role that video plays in all forms of communication. Her deep understanding of the changes in the business landscape positions her to bring innovative approaches to the Friend or Føe division at LVLY,” said Cara Cutrone, newly elected president of LVLY.

Previously, Hennegan served as VP director of video postproduction at Craft Worldwide, part of McCann Worldgroup, and as executive producer at Ataboy Studios. Her journey includes key roles at Cosmo Street Editorial, where she showcased versatility as operations manager and producer. 

  • Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023
Editor Nicolas Larrouquère joins Final Cut's U.S. roster
Nicolas Larrouquère
NEW YORK -- 

Creative editorial and postproduction company Final Cut has added Nicolas Larrouquère to its roster of talent in the U.S., marking his first signing in the American market. Raised in the South of France, Larrouquère began his career recutting trailers with his friends as a teenager, graduated to amateur skate videos, and eventually became a sought-after editor. He is repped in France by Collectiv.

Throughout his career, Larrouquère has developed a rapport with regular collaborators, including directors Manu Cossu, François Rousselet, Pantera, and Jonathan Alric. His work with Alric includes a powerful, heartbreaking film, “Whatever It Takes,” for Macmillan Cancer Support which was awarded Gold for Editing at British Arrows, Creative Circle, and Kinsale Sharks. Larrouquère collaborated with director Guy Ritchie on the “Tank Française” campaign for Cartier, starring Rami Malek and Catherine Deneuve. The editor’s other credits include ads for Jacquemus, Oakley, and several films with Diesel, with the film “Francesca,” directed by Rousselet, receiving a Silver Award for Editing at Cannes Lions and D&AD. 

Early on in his career as an intern at the music video production house FOKAL, Larrouquère cut a music video for Rohff, one of France’s biggest hip-hop artists at the time. Since then, Larrouquère has edited numerous music videos for artists Woodkid, DJ Snake, The Blaze, and a video from Pharrell Williams, 21 Savage, and Tyler The Creator for their song “Cash In Cash Out.” The music video was another collaboration between Larrouquère and director Rousselet and was awarded a Black Pencil in Music at D&AD. 

“So stoked to be joining the Final Cut fam, the work they’ve been doing for the last decade has really inspired me as a storyteller, and I am thrilled now to be a part of the team,” says Larrouquère. “ I look forward to bringing my piece to this magnificent puzzle and can’t wait to hang out at the U.S. offices.”

Sarah Roebuck, executive producer at Final Cut NY, said, “I’ve been a huge fan of Nicolas’ work for the last few years, so I was absolutely thrilled when he decided to join Final Cut. Simply put, he has a killer reel, and he’s the perfect fit for our company.”

  • Monday, Dec. 4, 2023
Brian Gaffney named VP of product for MTI Film's software division
Brian Gaffney
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- 

MTI Film, a provider of postproduction and restoration solutions, has appointed industry veteran Brian Gaffney as VP of product for the company’s software division.

With a career spanning three decades, Gaffney brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the media and entertainment industry. In his role as VP of product, Gaffney will spearhead the strategic development and enhancement of MTI Film’s software offerings, ensuring the company continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

Gaffney’s extensive background includes notable contributions to a wide range of projects in the film and television industry. His expertise has been instrumental in the success of various high-profile productions, earning him recognition for his technical acumen and innovative solutions.

“Brian Gaffney is a highly respected figure in our industry, and we are excited to welcome him to the MTI Film team,” said Larry Chernoff, CEO at MTI Film. “His deep understanding of the evolving needs of production and postproduction landscape, coupled with his innovative approach to technology and understanding of AI and machine learning, will undoubtedly strengthen our position as a leader in the market.”

Prior to joining MTI Film, Gaffney held key positions at Unity Technologies, X2X Media (PIX + CODEX), Technicolor Creative Services, Creative Bridge, Turbo Squid and Autodesk where he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing groundbreaking, award-winning solutions for the industry. His passion for advancing technology and his commitment to delivering top-notch products align seamlessly with MTI Film’s mission in the relentless pursuit of even better.

MTI Film looks forward to leveraging Gaffney’s expertise to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in postproduction and software development. 

  • Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
Colorist Walter Volpatto moves to Picture Shop
Walter Volpatto
LOS ANGELES -- 

Senior colorist Walter Volpatto has joined Picture Shop’s worldwide talent roster. Volpatto is well known for his work on Oscar®-winning films such as Peter Farrelly’s “Green Book” and Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk,” as well as Gina Prince-Blythewood’s acclaimed drama “The Woman King,” and Rian Johnson’s blockbuster “Star Wars: Episode VIII--The Last Jedi.”

Cara Sheppard, president of Picture Shop, said of Volpatto, “His artistry and versatility make him a unique collaborator, and we are thrilled to have his perspective and experience on our team.”

Volpatto has received nominations from the Hollywood Professional Association for Outstanding Color Grading awards for “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” (2023), “Sweet Tooth” (2021) and “Green Book” (2019). He also earned FilmLight Color Award nominations for “Winning Time” (2022, 2023). His wide-ranging credits include such memorable features as “Hustlers,” “Red Notice,” “Moonfall,” “Rampage,” “Interstellar,” “San Andreas,” “Bad Moms,” “Independence Day: Resurgence,” and “The Master.”

Prior to joining Picture Shop, Volpatto worked at Company 3. His over 20 years of industry experience also includes a tenure at FotoKem.

Volpatto stated, “I am looking forward to collaborating on amazing projects with the outstanding global team at Picture Shop.”

In addition to its Los Angeles facilities, Picture Shop locations include New York, Toronto, and Vancouver with international locations in the U.K. that include London, Manchester, Bristol, Wales and Pinewood Studios.

 

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