Advanced Digital Studios, New York, has been relaunched as Spark Plug! with a new team. The company aims to attract creative commercial, broadcast and long-form projects.
A remaining player is senior editor Nick Kopp, whose spot clients include Mobil, Colgate/ Palmolive and BMW. Joining him is senior editor Steven Lifshey, who comes from RG Video, New York, where his work included promotional assignments for Polo Ralph Lauren, CNN, Showtime and Estee Lauder.
The privately held company is now run by Bill Stricklin, manager of marketing and development; and Kate P. Carty, manager of sales and development.
Stricklin comes from New York-based Betelgeuse Productions, where he spent the past five years as a sales rep. Carty was most recently a sales rep at New York-based Chelsea Post. The two met during prior stints at National Video, New York.
The team is rounded out by senior audio engineer Plamen Georgiev, who comes from UVT, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Stricklin said the shop aims to "create a creative environment with flexibility of talent." Spark Plug! expects to work closely with select freelancers.
Since Spark Plug!’s launch, Kopp’s work includes spots for Siboney USA/New York: "Sport" for Mennen Speed Stick and "Total" for Colgate. Lifshey’s assignments include Showtime promos.
Spark Plug! is equipped with three Avid Media Composers, Softimage|DS and a ProTools suite.
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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