NEW YORK-Alison Brown, a co-founder of Blue Sky Productions (now bicoastal Blue Sky VIFX), has joined Kleiser-Wal-czak Construction Company as executive producer of its New York-based commercial production unit. KWCC also has operations in Hollywood and North Adams, Mass.
Brown held the title of head of commercial production/VP, sales and marketing, when Blue Sky merged with VIFX in 1997 (SHOOT, 9/5/97, p. 1). At the time, Brown opted to remain involved with the company in a consulting role, which lasted until about a year ago. She then took some time off, re-entering the business about a month ago at KWCC, initially as a consultant. She began her staff role last week.
The New York office currently has a staff of five. Brown said plans are to take "baby steps" to grow the team to about 25 or 30. She is currently looking for larger space in New York in order to accommodate those growth plans.
"We plan to expand this particular studio in Manhattan to house many more artists. Right now we work through the different studios, and everything comes together because we are communicating," Brown explained. She added that the goal is to grow New York in order to allow the other KWCC offices more time to focus on the company’s feature film and location-based entertainment business. She said the company would continue to tap the talent and resources at those bases when needed.
"Kleiser-Walczak gave me an opportunity to do what I like to do, which is build up a company," Brown enthused. "It’s a small office. I have an opportunity to build a commercial division."
Blue Work
During her 10-year run at Blue Sky, Brown executive produced over 150 commercials. Notable work included Braun’s "Last Word" via Lowe & Partners/SMS, New York, which showed a CGI electric shaver; and Chock Full O’ Nuts’ "Beans" campaign via Lord, Dentsu & Partners (now The Lord Group, New York), which featured a talking CGI coffee bean.
Blue Sky’s character animation prowess was also deployed on theatrical movie work. Brown served as executive producer for the computer animation portion of Joe’s Apartment, Blue Sky’s first feature assignment, which entailed the creation of singing and dancing CGI cockroaches.
"She’s made important contributions to the digital arts and advertising communities and will be instrumental in executing our strategic goals for growth and innovation," said Jeff Kleiser, president of KWCC.
At press time, KWCC’s New York office was working on a Dodge spot for BBDO Detroit, Southfield, Mich., and a commercial via Grey Advertising, New York, for an undisclosed client.
