Independent ad agency RPA has hired Cliff Atkinson for the role of SVP, executive director, digital media. Atkinson will report to EVP, chief media officer Jim Helberg and will lead RPA’s entire digital media practice, inclusive of all strategy, social, programmatic, search and ad ops.
Atkinson comes to RPA from Saatchi & Saatchi L.A., where he held a similar role leading their digital strategy and investment practice. While at Saatchi, he was influential in pioneering greater synergies around the marriage of media and messaging. In his role at RPA, he will partner with cross-functional teams to further develop the agency’s suite of offerings as well as partner creative agencies.
“Cliff’s work in emerging platforms is impressive, and he will be relentless in our pursuit of best-in-class relationships, solutions and game-changing innovation that allows us to see around corners in this complex landscape,” said Helberg. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, passion and humanity to our digital media practice.”
Prior to his more than 12 years at Saatchi & Saatchi L.A., Atkinson began his career at Grey NY and progressed through the digital world with key posts at various agencies, including Deutsch N.Y. and L.A. His account experience includes Toyota, Procter & Gamble, Coors Light, UnitedHealthcare, and the Discovery Channel.
Atkinson holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also minored in computer science and engineering.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More