By CAROLYN GIARDINA
Editor Reb Kessler has joined New York-based The Blue Rock Editing Co. He comes from Shoot First Editorial, which closed at the end of April following owner/editor Jeff Dell’s decision to retire (SHOOT, 4/23, p. 8).
A Shoot First colleague, editor Laura Milstein, has also signed with Blue Rock. She is scheduled to start on May 10, and was unavailable for comment at press time.
Kessler, who’s been in the business for 20 years, spent two years at Shoot First. Before that he ran his one-man shop, Rebel Edit, for 11 years. Earlier, he worked at Billy Williams and First Edition, both in New York.
Kessler describes his work as "eclectic." He enjoys a variety of styles, especially music-driven projects and comedy. In addition to commercials, he has an extensive background cutting music videos. Credits include the Mariah Carey/Boyz II Men hit "One Sweet Day." He also cut numerous clips as well as spots for bicoastal RSA USA director Marcus Nispel, including "Good Stuff" for the B52s.
Kessler’s currently airing work from Shoot First includes "Kitchen Tools" for Black & Decker via McCann-Erickson, New York; and Sprint’s "Business Day" via Grey Advertising, New York.
His first job at Blue Rock will be "Arabian Nights" for Huggies via Ogilvy & Mather, New York.
Kessler is already enjoying his new home at Blue Rock, which was completely renovated and reengineered a year ago. "Physically it’s spectacular, welcoming for my clients and I," he said, adding that the talent and technology makes the company well-positioned for the future. The seamless technological infrastructure, Blue Rock president Ethel Rubinstein said, "allows him to focus on the creative."
Another plus, Kessler said, is Blue Rock’s "aggressive presence in the commercial community."
"We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that [Kessler and Milstein] joined us when they had other opportunities," Rubinstein said. "We built this company to attract editors like them."
The Blue Rock editorial roster includes Kessler, Milstein, Michael Charles, David Cornman, Maciek Godlewski, Ilene Hochman, Peter Klaus, Oren Sarch, Nico Sheers, Chip Smith, Gregg Suskin, Steve Bodner Brent Prince and Oliver Wicki.
Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begert’s first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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