• Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023
LOBO promotes Loic Dubois to chief growth officer
Loic Dubois
NEW YORK & SAO PAULO -- 

Loic Dubois has been promoted to chief growth officer at LOBO, an animation and production studio with bases of operation in New York City and Sao Paulo.

Dubois’ deep connection with LOBO can be traced back to the year 2000, when he started in humble beginnings as a broadcast producer before his path shortly led him to LOBO’s chief creative officer/founder Mateus De Paula Santos. Dubois quickly progressed from small spot production to assisting and producing more major work directly alongside De Paula Santos.

In the ensuing years, Dubois’ responsibilities at LOBO steadily increased and he would eventually take on the role of international executive producer, collaborating with agencies such as TBWA/Paris (including on the global marketing campaign for the  McDonald’s “Happy” character), Publicis, Havas, BBH London, 180 Amsterdam, Kessels & Kramer, Ogilvy & Mather NY, BBDO Energy, McCann Erickson, Arnold Worldwide, and Deutsch LA, among others. This experience would lead him to the position of global head of production, which he would hold until 2016 before eventually pivoting into focusing on new business opportunities on a global scale.

As chief growth officer, Dubois will wear many hats at LOBO, including overseeing the European, Middle Eastern, Asia and North American markets, with a focus on identifying emerging trends and technological advancements that present new opportunities for the organization. In addition, he will be tasked with optimizing internal communication within the organization by, for instance, introducing innovative methods to showcase core creative strengths, and also performing a comprehensive evaluation of the metrics associated with LOBO’s social media platforms and its financial data analysis.

Dubois observed, “The title of chief growth officer encapsulates a modernized version of the traditional role of a marketing director, but with a heightened emphasis on global strategic planning. This includes monitoring and adapting to evolving cultural behaviors and market trends, thereby facilitating our brands in reaching new audiences and clients through a more globally-oriented positioning strategy. This is especially pertinent given the dynamic changes occurring in the realms of entertainment, animation, live action, digital media, and emerging technologies.”

With a high-level goal to further develop LOBO’s global footprint, Dubois laid out the creative studio’s vision and priorities, specifically in terms of growth. “Our vision encompasses both external expansion and internal development. Externally, we aim to enhance our production capabilities through strategic partnerships and the establishment of new divisions in the live action advertising side but also entertainment and maybe gaming sectors. This approach is crucial given the ever-evolving advertising landscape shaped by social media and the changing preferences and demands of our audience.”

Dubois added, “My vision is to reestablish LOBO as a dominant force not only in the US market but also to bestow upon it a larger footprint and a more commanding presence in Europe and the Middle East and Asian regions. This entails a strategic expansion effort that encompasses both market penetration and brand recognition across these critical territories. With an in-depth understanding of LOBO and proficiency in multiple languages, I’m well-equipped to showcase our creative prowess and cultivate new opportunities in these regions.  In this context, our partnership with Michael Stanish from GroundControl in London, established post-pandemic, symbolizes our commitment to this expansion endeavor. Here’s where my expertise becomes particularly valuable. This expertise will play a crucial role in driving our growth and solidifying our position as a global creative leader.”

LOBO partner and NY EP Luis Ribeiro explained, “Loic, an invaluable member of our team long before my tenure at LOBO NY, possesses an unmatched understanding of our body of work. His unwavering passion and dedication have rightfully earned him this well-deserved promotion.”

  • Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023
Andrew Speyer joins Erich and Kallman as chief strategy officer
Andrew Speyer
NEW YORK -- 

Erich and Kallman has appointed Andrew Speyer as chief strategy officer. Speyer joins the independent agency after several years as a strategic consultant, advising early-stage, high-growth brands on internal culture and implementing consumer data to drive business.  In his new role as a member of Erich and Kallman’s executive leadership team, Speyer takes on responsibilities which include overseeing strategy practice across all departments. 

“We believe in strategy as a key component of great creative, but also in keeping it simple and connected to the work and clients’ goals,” said Eric Kallman, founder and chief creative officer, Erich and Kallman. “Andrew gets that balance, and wants to help us keep making great work that delivers great results.”

Speyer was an Erich and Kallman agency client twice before joining the agency: on Landing.com, the technology platform that offers flexible, deposit-free home rentals in 200 markets, and as a consultant on Lucid Motors, a start-up luxury automotive company. Given his deep background in start-ups, he also brings an innovative viewpoint to agency leadership. Speyer will report to Kallman and Steven Erich, founder and president.

“I have known Erich and Kallman for a long time, as a client and as a consultant, and I have known from day one that I would love to work alongside them, in house. This move was a long time coming, and I am really excited to get started with the team and their clients!” said Speyer.

Speyer began his career at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, working on the agency’s historic “Truth” anti-tobacco campaign. Born and raised in Spain, he led strategy on Ford’s U.S. Hispanic advertising for seven years and BMW’s for two. At Erich and Kallman, his multicultural background promises to contribute a fresh perspective. 

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Latin American studies from the University of Miami. Since 2007, he has been an instructor at Miami Ad School.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Editor Edward Line joins Uppercut
Edward Line
LOS ANGELES -- 

Postproduction house Uppercut has added editor Edward Line to its roster. With an expansive and diverse body of work spanning commercials, music videos, comedy, and narrative films, Line joins Uppercut for U.S. representation. He had most recently been with Exile.

Line began his editing career in London, where he developed his craft at Final Cut before moving to Los Angeles in 2016. Since then, Line has cut commercial work for Nissan, Gatorade, Covergirl, Google, Facebook and Mountain Dew. He has collaborated with directors including Traktor, Craig Gillespie, F. Gary Gray, Fredrik Bond, and Los Perez.  Line also prides himself on cutting socially committed advertising campaigns for Ancestry, illuminating America’s diverse ancestral history; Sephora, celebrating transgender and non-binary communities; and Color of Change, which highlighted the importance of the 2020 U.S. elections.

Line first made a name for himself as a music video editor with work for Usher, Sia, Nick Cave, DJ Snake & Justin Bieber, and Rudimental.  Also an adept narrative editor, his short films have been recognized at international film festivals, including Wale which went on to be shortlisted at the Academy Awards and nominated for a BAFTA.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Myriad takes on two creative directors
Spike Hoban
RALEIGH, NC -- 

Myriad--a Raleigh-based video agency specializing in creating commercial video content and original films--has upped Max Zampieri, an integral part of its creative team since July 2020, to creative director for Myriad Originals. His track record includes producing work for brands such as Vans, Apple, Qualcomm, IBM and pop-rock group OK Go. 

Additionally Spike Hoban is set to assume the role of creative director for Myriad where he will be spearhead a team of creatives in the development of commercial content. Hoban has lent his creative prowess to brands like UNCSA, Carola Performing Arts, IBM, Lenovo and Epic Games.

Hoban stated, “I am focused on fostering the creation of impactful work. I’m ensuring that our creatives have the resources and support they need. If you work with Myriad, our goal is for you to produce the best work of your career.”

Zampieri shared, “I’ll be focusing on forging our own path. I envision us crafting a process where we’re not just reacting, but actively reaching out, approaching brands and streaming platforms with our ideas, especially in the branded content space. It’s about creating content that we’re passionate about and believe in and getting paid for it.”

  • Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
SixTwentySix hires Jonny Edwards as head of production & EP
Jonny Edwards
LOS ANGELES -- 

SixTwentySix has appointed Jonny Edwards as its head of production and executive producer. 

A veteran of the creative industry, Edwards served for three years as director of production at branding agency Herman-Scheer, and for nine years as executive producer at 72andSunny + Hecho Studios. His career path also includes four years as an associate producer at RSA Films/Ridley Scott Creative Group, two years of freelancing in the commercial sector, and involvement in reality television. Drawing from his extensive experience in agencies and studios, Edwards will play a pivotal role in shaping creative studio SixTwentySix’s overarching strategy across its business divisions and will report directly to company co-founders Jake Krask and Austin Barbera.

Edwards said, “I’ve had my eyes on SixTwentySix for the past few years. They’ve been somewhat under the radar but have been churning out incredible content. Now that I’ve had a chance to get to know Austin and Jake on a deeper level, it all makes sense. They have amazing drive and determination in creating world-class content. The creatives they have curated are insanely talented and are the future of content creation. I’m excited to partner with them to help drive innovative ways of creating content, elevating the client and agency experience, and driving overall continued growth for the company.”

Throughout his career, Edwards has worked with leading directors such as Jake Scott, Paul Feig, DJ Caruso, and RJ Cutler to name only a few, contributing to a portfolio that boasts a roster of work for clients that include Google, Starbucks, Coors Light, Smirnoff, Best Buy, Carl’s Jr., Activision and Adobe. 

SixTwentySix has created award-winning and culture-defining work for clients including Squarespace, BP, Chevy, Samsung, Bumble, Xbox, Adidas, Turo, Postmates, PetSmart, Wendy’s, and Coca-Cola along with award-winning agencies and partners such as Virtue, Mother LA, Maximum Effort, Commonwealth//McCann, YARD NYC, and TBWA\Chiat\Day.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023
Editor Jason Hinkley joins Pixel Farm
Jason Hinkley
MINNEAPOLIS -- 

Jason Hinkley--an editor at such shops as Venice, Calif.-based Spot Welders and the L.A. offices of bicoastal Lost Planet and Rock Paper Scissors--has relocated to Minneapolis to come aboard the roster of Pixel Farm, a creative studio best known for its VFX, motion design, and visual and audio post services.

Hinkley joins staff editor Paul Clark as part of a deliberate strategy to make Pixel Farm an editorial destination, according to managing director Paul Sadeghi. “We’ve long been a trusted post and animation partner, but this is about meeting our clients further upstream,” he explained. “Jason is a stellar addition to our editorial team. His storytelling sensibilities and smarts are a perfect fit for Pixel Farm’s creative culture.”

Hinkley’s recent clients have included agencies Wieden + Kennedy, Leo Burnett, Doremus, Innocean, and Commonwealth on such brands as Apple, Nike, BMW, Nissan, T-Mobile, Ford, Verizon, and Beats. Hinkley has also collaborated directly with numerous brands like Facebook (now Meta), Twitter (now X), and Ziprecruiter.

“I’m excited to bring my style of storytelling and sound design to the Midwest,” said Hinkley. “I have known the fine folks at Pixel Farm for years from past projects, and this feels like home. I really believe we can accomplish big things here.”

Recent work from the studio gives examples of its breadth of capabilities. A spot for Northwell Hospital and agency Strawberry Frog included live-action production, motion graphics, edit, and finishing. A recent campaign for Planters Cashews and BBDO Minneapolis featured design and animation. And for investment app Acorns, the team handled compositing and mouth animation for a puppeted squirrel, as well as all finishing, color, sound design, and audio mix.

Pixel Farm is represented by Minerva on the East Coast. It is currently looking for Midwest representation, according to Sadeghi.

  • Monday, Oct. 2, 2023
James Woolley named executive director of the Miami Film Festival
James Woolley
MIAMI -- 

James Woolley has been named executive director of the Miami Film Festival (MFF). Having celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year, MFF is currently preparing for the 10th anniversary of its GEMS festival, taking place November 2-5.

Woolley has spent the last 15 years working on more than 20 large-scale film festivals, including the Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane International Film Festivals. In 2017, he was named Sydney Film Festival’s head of marketing and customer relations, rebranding the organization and overseeing strategies to drive attendance. He comes to Miami after serving as executive director of Frameline, one of the largest film festivals on the West Coast.

Woolley will oversee all MFF operations and activities while nurturing relationships with established and emerging filmmakers, distributors, sponsors, donors, and the greater Miami film community.

  • Friday, Sep. 29, 2023
Justin Stiebel named managing director and EP at Stink Berlin
Justin Stiebel
BERLIN -- 

Justin Stiebel has joined Stink Berlin as managing director and executive producer. Stiebel will continue growing the Berlin base and seek opportunities for new and existing talent.

The Stink Berlin core team includes Moritz Merkel, Jana Marx and Isabel Kast who play an important role in the realm of production, sales and talent development; they will work under Stiebel, who is taking over from former managing director Martina Lülsdorf. Stiebel will work closely with Stink leadership Daniel Bergmann and Blake Powell.

Throughout his career, Stiebel has produced memorable work for various clients such as Netto’s “Easter Surprise.” Audi’s “Next Level” and the multi-award-winning “The Faith Of A Few” for Mini, of which he was an integral part of the production team. He’s also worked on large-scale projects for Nivea, H&M, Hot Chip, Absolut Vodka, Ubisoft and more, and collaborated with directors like Sebastian Strasser, Markus Walter and Daniel Wolfe.

With a string of awards from The One Show, Kinsale Shark Awards, Eurobest, ANDY Awards, Cannes Lions, Art Directors Club of Europe, Creative Circle and more, Stiebel has contributed to the Berlin’s creative landscape for years.

Stiebel has a proven track record opening and leading the Berlin base of global companies; he previously held the post of managing director at The Mill Studios Berlin, and opened Psyop’s headquarters in the city.

“Justin was a great fit from the beginning. He comes from the same production landscape as many Stinkers around the world, and has experience leading global companies’ Berlin base, whilst also understanding the German market as a native. He is a fantastic addition to the team,” said Stink Group founder and president Bergmann.

“Justin has the right experience and personality to carry the core Stink values of craft excellence and dedication to talent; whilst also understanding the market and being able to further our offering,” stated Powell, global head of film, Stink Films

  • Wednesday, Sep. 27, 2023
Editor Phil Hignett joins Final Cut
Phil Hignett
LONDON -- 

Final Cut has added comedic editor Phil Hignett to its roster. His exploits span advertising, feature film and television. Hignett has previously worked closely with the team while cutting hit comedy Sex Education at Final Cut’s dry-hire facility, The Lofts, in London’s Fitzrovia district.

Hignett first discovered his love of editing and the art of making people laugh while at university, when a friend asked him to help cut a loose homage to This is Spinal Tap. Getting his industry start at Marshall Street Editors, Hignett worked his way up to editor, collaborating with directors such as Nick Jasenovec, Keith Schofield, Jake Szymanski, Jeff Labbé and Rhys Thomas. Hignett’s commercial showreel includes projects for clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Barclaycard, Virgin Media, KFC, British Airways and BT.

With the support of long-time collaborator Ben Taylor, Hignett ventured into the world of longform in 2019, working with the director on the critically acclaimed Year of the Rabbit, starring Matt Berry. Hignett’s work on Sex Education earned him awards for editing at the BFE Cut Above Awards and Televisual Bulldog Awards, with the most recent season winning Best Comedy at the 2023 International Emmys. Other longform credits include the multi BAFTA-winning hit series Stath Lets Flats and upcoming Disney+ series Renegade Nell.

“As a little boy growing up in Australia, I always dreamed of joining Final Cut,” said Hignett. “That was the name of the barbers down the street. But this is just as good. Probably better.”

Final Cut U.K. managing director David Webb said, “Phil has a remarkable sense of comedic timing--both in the edit and in life. He’s a great editor and a wonderful human being.”

“After hosting Phil on numerous longform projects at The Lofts, we’ve become accustomed to having him around,” said Final Cut executive producer Michelle Corney. “We’re chuffed to bits that he’s decided to join the Final Cut team for commercial representation.”

Final Cut maintains offices in London, New York and L.A.

  • Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2023
Alex Pineda named chief creative officer at TBWA\Helsinki
Alex Pineda
HELSINKI, Finland -- 

Alex Pineda--multiple Cannes winner and driving force of TBWA\RAAD in Dubai, one of the most awarded agencies in TBWA’s collective--has been appointed chief creative officer of TBWA\Helsinki. 

Pineda will steer the agency’s creative work together with ECD Laura Paikkari. Pineda will act as part of the management team and report directly to TBWA Nordic president Sami Tikkanen.

”With iconic campaigns for brands such as Nissan, KFC and Louvre, the work of Alex and his team has made a strong mark not only in the United Arab Emirates but also in the entire MENA region. This is the most interesting creative industry recruitment in 2023 that brings international perspective, cultural insights and creates pull to the Finnish market,” said Tikkanen.

Pineda described TBWA\Helsinki as “the home of the originals,” adding that “Finland has always punched above their weight in creativity, innovations and lifting phenomena in earned media field. I am honored to work with this crowd of remarkable individuals and extremely brave and ambitious clients.”

With more than 240 creativity awards, Pineda has been recognized by assorted major creative competitions from Cannes Lions to Cresta. 

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