Hornet--a creative studio spanning motion design, animation and live action, with bases of operation in New York and Los Angeles--has expanded its West Coast presence with the signing of director Dan Marsh. 

A medium-agnostic director, Marsh fluidly moves between various filmmaking techniques. Marsh’s unconventional journey in film is marked by self-driven creativity from an early age. His early endeavors, from odd jobs to fund creative pursuits and independent animation projects, laid a diverse foundation in film and storytelling. Earning an MFA in Digital Media from the Rhode Island School of Design, he expanded his multidisciplinary expertise. Later, as a professor, Marsh fostered cross-disciplinary and experimental projects. Evolving into VFX supervision and eventually directing, Marsh has shaped a career that is a tapestry of personal initiatives, educational roles, and varied industry positions which include time at MPC, ManvsMachine, Buck, and now, Hornet. He has turned out work for brands like Apple, Lexus and Microsoft.

Via Hornet Marsh has already directed a holiday spot for Air Canada out of FCB Canada.

Hornet’s L.A.-based executive producer Jo Arghiris said, “The West Coast has always been a dynamic and innovative market that is receptive to new ideas and has a deep reverence for the filmmaking process. The addition of stellar talent based here in Los Angeles will only further reinforce Hornet’s capabilities and our ambition to tell stories in meaningful ways. I had the pleasure of working with Dan many years ago and I am thrilled to be reunited with him as we continue to build our presence here on the West Coast.”

Hornet’s managing partner Hana Shimizu added, “Dan possesses a remarkable talent for captivating audiences with his distinct directorial voice, which articulates a concise poetry of visual storytelling. His work often surprises with tone and technique but showcases an unwavering commitment to impeccable craftsmanship. We’re excited to see what Dan and Jo build together on the West Coast. Their robust partnership is very much in sync with our company’s core philosophy: making the seemingly impossible possible, in the most elegant and thoughtful of ways.”

Marsh said, “I’m so excited to reunite with Jo and partner with a studio I’ve admired for so long. Hornet fosters such incredible talent and it’s honestly a privilege to be a part of their exciting next steps.”