Papaya Films, a creative production company based in Warsaw, Poland, recently completed a major international expansion with new offices in London and New York City. Founded in 2006 by Kacper Sawicki, Papaya established itself in Europe with more than 650 commercial campaigns spanning broadcast, online, mobile, and virtual reality (VR), and receiving accolades from Cannes Lions, Golden Drum and Promax BDA. Sawicki will continue in his role as executive producer in the Warsaw office with managing director roles in London and New York. Wojtek Skiba will serve as executive producer in London, and Tomek Kulesza as executive producer in New York. The London directors roster includes Brent Bonacorso, Marc Wilkins, Juan Flesca, and Matt Eastman; the New York talent lineup includes Antoni Nykowski, Bartosz Dombrowski, Maria Makowska, and Julia Rogowska. The company has produced campaigns for brands including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Heinz, MTV, HBO, Nike, Adidas, Samsung, Nestle and Ikea, as well as agencies such as Grey, DDB, Y&R, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA, and BBDO. Through the Papaya Films Original Series, the company curates original made-for-social content from directors from across the globe; it also supports up-and-coming talent through the Papaya Young Directors competition. Papaya-produced short films have screened at dozens of international film festivals…
Brooklyn-based production company tinygiant, headed by founder/EP Veronica Diaferia, has added director Kal Karman to its roster. After nearly two decades soaking up the fashion and atmosphere of Milan, U.S.-born Karman brings to tinygiant his American work ethic with a global feel. His work behind the camera began as an assistant cinematographer before transitioning to postproduction at Industrial Light & Magic. Karman’s move to Italy brought another career change when he began directing numerous music videos, commercials, and documentaries. His growth continued when he sought out renowned photographers and self-started a career based in still photography. Karman describes his DNA as being built of the dual strands of the post production/special effects and fashion/beauty worlds. Karman’s credit list includes work with such brands as Armani, BVLGARI, David Yurman, Debeers Jewelry, Ferrero, Gucci, Konika Minolta, Lux, and Pepsico. He has worked with such agencies as JWT Singapore, DDB Dubai, Ogilvy Madrid, JWT Barcelona, Saatchi & Saatchi Milan and Grey Manila….
Industry veteran Zak Thornborough has launched bicoastal production company BestFriend. The new venture opens with a directorial lineup which includes the Snorri Brothers, Jonathan Nyquist and Manuel Werner. Max Fink has been named head of production. Over his 20-year career Thornborough has had a hand in the production of high-profile campaigns at such shops as Smuggler, RSA and Anonymous Content. He also helped to structure Digital Domain’s live action department. Thornborough’s experience producing live action and CG-driven content across various platforms led him to his most recent endeavor as EP of MPC Creative USA. BestFriend officially opens its doors with several projects already in the can, including multi-spot campaigns for Hyundai, John Hancock, and Buffalo Wild Wings. The conclusion of the mysterious Buffalo Wild Wings “What the Favre?” campaign, featuring NFL legend Brett Favre, was revealed on Super Bowl Sunday….
