People on the Move

Animation studio Golden Wolf has promoted long-time executive producer Dotti Sinnott to the new title of managing director for the studio while adding Heidi Stephenson as head of production, and elevating Tan Jones to exec producer.  

Sinnott originally joined the studio’s London-based office in 2015 as a freelance producer where she oversaw projects for Nike, Disney, Ubisoft, and more. In 2017, she assumed the title of EP and spearheaded the studio’s expansion into New York City. Her leadership played an integral role for the studio’s transition into remote production during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now in her seventh year with Golden Wolf, Sinnott will now oversee the business operations for both the New York and London offices as managing director.  

Stephenson, a newcomer to the animation studio, has experience spanning from animation production all the way to broadcasting and will manage internal production across both offices as the head of production. Executive producer Jones assists in managing the production team and has overseen projects for brands such as Nike and Adidas. A fellow Golden Wolf veteran, Jones’ promotion includes the new responsibility of spearheading all new business ventures for the studio globally. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Dotti, Heidi and Tan by my side as we take Golden Wolf to the next stage of our evolution,” said Golden Wolf founder Ingi Erlingsson. “Having been my right hand woman for over half a decade, Dotti is the perfect person to lead this exceptional team into uncharted territory as we broaden our horizons into music, AI and more.”

Golden Wolf recently celebrated its ninth anniversary earlier this month. The studio has 27 staff members total, with team members hailing from countries around the world.  
 

Camp + King has promoted Katie Burleson to sr. art director and Justin Marimon to sr. 3D artist.

Burleson is being promoted from art director. For the past four years, Burleson’s visual storytelling talent has been put into play in international galleries and for brands like Cesar Dog Food, Wells Fargo, Papa Johns, and RE/MAX. 

Of her promotion, Burleson said, “Since my first day at Camp + King I’ve felt lucky to be at an agency that prioritizes heart, creativity, and a good laugh! Better yet, I’ve been surrounded by great people who have helped me grow so much.”

Marimon is being promoted to sr. 3D artist from motion graphics artist. Marimon prides himself on being a multi-disciplinary designer, animator, and a lifetime-student of his craft. He started his career as a graphic designer with a passion for commercial photography and has since expanded his skillset to include CGI motion graphics as well as VFX and compositing. When art directors present groundbreaking concepts, Marimon aims to be the artist that can make it a reality, regardless of the toolset required.

“I started at Camp + King as a 2D visual designer with aspirations of learning animation,” said Marimon. “At every turn, they’ve supported my learning, growth, and constant exploration into new mediums.”
 

Open Swim, a full-service production company founded by director/editor Bradley Ross, has added Lian DesMarais as head of production and Jefferson Wenzel as assistant editor to the company’s team. 

“I love having someone on the team who is dedicated to the production process, and to keeping the quality and experience consistent for everyone,” said Open Swim’s EP Amyliz Pera. “Lian has the right variety of experience for Open Swim to be able to guide our teams--including long-form and documentary experience. Most importantly, she’s a decent person. She’s caring, really fun to have around, and happens to have an incredible sense of style.”

DesMarais joins Open Swim as no stranger to Ross as the two worked closely in the production industry years ago. With an in-depth knowledge of traditional production, digital media, branded content and live shows, DesMarais founded production service company Ren Kelley Productions in 2011, delivering exceptional work as an EP and line producer for notable clients including Calvin Klein, Nickelodeon, Adidas and Samsung.

“I’m so happy to be joining Open Swim; It’s rare to have the opportunity to be part of shaping something new and to work with a like-minded team,” offers DesMarais. “We all bring a unique perspective, but share a strong creative drive balanced with a healthy work culture. I take a lot of pride in my work and enjoy facilitating as ideas become fully formed. It’s an honor to bring your values and passions to work every day, and I look forward to what I’ll be able to build with Bradley and Amyliz.” 

DesMarais’ responsibilities will include overseeing Open Swim’s production and postproduction teams, the latter growing with the addition of Wenzel. Prior to joining Open Swim, Wenzel has worked as 3D modeler and animator on projects for fashion brand Collina Strada and retailer Showfields, and as a VFX compositor and assistant editor on the short film “Slow Pulse,” which debuted at the Tribecca Film Festival in 2021.

“Jefferson has the experience we need to assist in our editorial and postproduction process, but in filling this position, we’re fortunate that he comes with visual effects skills to be able to offer more capabilities in-house for our clients,” noted Pera.

Wenzel is another example of Open Swim  growing the team through pre-existing relationships. “Director/owner Bradley Ross’s mom plays in a band with Jefferson’s mom, so when the two started talking about their sons, the job search became much easier; it wasn’t just parental bragging--he really has talent,” added Pera.  

Fortnight Collective has hired Becca Schepps as creative director. Schepps, who was one of the first members of the creative collective when the agency started, will now work full-time side by side with creative directors Mona Hasan and Matt Kubis, reporting to chief creative officer Adam Chasnow.

Schepps will be working for clients Steamboat Ski Resort, Do Good Chicken and Expedia Group and will play an integral role in leading brand hacks. Over the past five years, Schepps has worked on core pieces of Fortnight’s business including Avery, Made in Nature, Grease Monkey, One Bar, Noodles & Company and Upslope Brewing Company. 

“As Fortnight Collective continues to grow, we remain committed to helping brands be better faster by eliminating overthinking, and there’s no one better than Becca to step in and help drive our creativity forward,” said Chasnow. “Schepps has been a part of the collective since the beginning and is the perfect addition to our growing creative team helping our brands reach their creative potential.” 

Schepps’ agency experience includes creative positions at Crispin Porter + Bogusky (CP+B), R/GA, Saatchi NY and Hal Riney, working on clients such as McCormick & Company, Google, Nike, Yoplait, Jell-O, Colorado Lottery and Vlasic Pickles. 

“I’ve been working in freelance roles for Fortnight Collective for years and always knew this team stood out,” said Schepps. “I knew if I were going to stray from my freelance roots, this was the only place I would want to go. I can’t wait to see what this role brings and the creative muscles we will get to flex together.”

In addition to Schepps’ role as creative director at Fortnight, she is also the founder and CEO of Mortal Ventures, a functional beverage brand that makes drinks that “Fight Death.” As Fortnight fosters a supportive entrepreneurial culture, Schepps can pursue this additional passion while maintaining her creative director role.