Alkemy X has hired industry vet Ben Benedetti as VP of business development to expand and innovate the company’s scope of VFX work. He will work closely with Alkemy X’s VFX EP Mark Miller. The studio’s existing and ongoing VFX work spans such series as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Westworld, The Righteous Gemstones, Fear the Walking Dead and Only Murders in the Building. Benedetti’s 30-year career in postproduction entails a cross-section of studios and post houses. After breaking in as Ted Danson’s personal assistant on Cheers, Benedetti went on to implement the strategic plan for the development of a new post department at Disney Channel, then segued to leadership roles for Digital Symphony at Ascent Media. He moved to Sony Pictures Entertainment where, as a member of the executive team, he directly administered the award-winning TV sound editorial department while supporting business development for Sony’s Digital Picture Editorial, Post Media Center, Colorworks, and Sony Pictures Sound Facility. Benedetti joined Westwind Media in 2014 as SVP and general manager, and in 2019 he became general manager at Periscope Post & Audio, where he oversaw the design, buildout, and construction of its new post facility, as well as administering day-to-day operations and administration. Benedetti is an active member of various volunteer organizations including the Television Academy in the Executives Peer Group, the American Cinema Editors, and a past member of the Producers Guild of America, the Motion Picture Sound Editors, and the Hollywood Professional Association….
Tagger Media, a social intelligence and influencer discovery platform, has named Kim Garcia as its chief marketing officer. In this role, she will manage global cross-channel marketing, digital media, content, social, and experience to scale Tagger. Based in Santa Monica, Garcia will report to CEO Dave Dickman and serve on the company’s executive leadership team. Garcia spent seven years as SVP of VaynerMedia, where she developed the entertainment vertical working with clients such as USA Network, Syfy, Nickelodeon, Bravo, E!, Top Rank Boxing, and CNBC. During her tenure, she launched VaynerExperience, the agency’s first foray into live events and served as GM of GrapeStory, the company’s sister influencer agency. Garcia also sits on the board of GoDisco, an app that helps users find fun things to do in their cities….
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More