Bill Hewes has joined X3 Films–a division of digital creative studio Click 3X–as executive producer. He brings an ensemble of global animation talent along with him.
Hewes is well versed in all forms of content creation, spanning motion design, animation, VFX, live action and postproduction. Previously, Hewes was EP and managing director of th1ng, where he opened and managed all aspects of the U.S. office for the London-based production shop. During his tenure there, he also oversaw creative management of all North American work, oversaw the company’s growth and was a major catalyst in the merger of th1ng and the U.S-based office of Filmtecknarna. Hewes has served as an EP at several production companies and studios including Filmtecknarna and Digital Kitchen in both Los Angeles and New York.
Coming over to X3 along with Hewes is the following directorial talent from th1ng:
•London-based Hush, led by EPs Lydia Russell and Ru Warner. Hush specializes in 2-D, 3-D and mixed media. Hush boasts an international roster including Will Barras, Nerdo, Kirk Hendry, Woodwork, Chris Wiegrandt and David Anderson among others. Hendry’s recent US work includes a campaign for the Tombras group and humorous spots for NHTSA’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Barras has recently completed two American Express spots.
•Directing duo David & Boris, known for blending live action and animation, who’ve created campaigns for Kyocera, Chevrolet and Hugo Boss. The duo also worked on background projections for musicians including Madonna, international fashions shows and recently collaborated with Terry Gilliam, creating graphics for hundreds of large environmental screens in Zero Theorem.
•Alon Ziv, an animation and mixed media director, most noted for his work on commercials, branding films, broadcast and main titles including high profile campaigns for Chivas, Sony, Schweppes, TCM, Absolut, Oxfam and MTV.
•And stop motion director Anthony Farquhar Smith, who’s created commercials for Tazo Tea, HSBC and Samsung and has numerous honors for his short films. Whether working in advertising or for feature film directors like Wes Anderson and Tim Burton, Farquhar Smith is known for his ability to bring inanimate objects to life imbuing them with personality and feeling.
This new group of directors joins an animation roster at Click 3X that includes Aron Baxter, Hayley Morris and Noella Borie.
“I love animation and joining X3 has allowed me to leverage my talent and animation studio relationships to provide opportunities in the changing adverting landscape. Click 3X is a remarkable company with a scope that includes broadcast commercial, content, social media and digital as well as impressive initiatives in VR. Through its digital and fully integrated production, animation and post facilities, along with our new talent and partnerships, X3 is well on its way to being able to deliver ground-breaking work,” said Hewes who noted that in a couple of weeks, live action directors will be added to the X3 lineup.
