Visual effects and feature animation studio DNEG has appointed former Skydance SVP David Prescott to lead the expansion of its feature animation team into Los Angeles.
As SVP of creative production for feature animation at DNEG, Prescott will work closely with managing director of feature animation Tom Jacomb to build a client-facing team designed to support filmmakers around the world. Based in LA, the team will comprise of senior creative and production staff and will provide a range of services at various stages of the feature animation process, including pitching and development support, creative supervision and production management.
One of Prescott’s early areas of focus will be the implementation of a distributed production model for feature animation, leveraging DNEG’s facilities in Montreal and Mumbai, as well as London and LA, and pulling in creative talent from across the DNEG group to support the needs of feature animation clients.
Prescott has almost 30 years of experience working as a creative director and VFX supervisor on live-action and feature animation projects, at companies such as DreamWorks Animation, Technicolor and Digital Domain. In his most recent role at Skydance, Prescott was responsible for the management of everything from technology development to the creative collaboration between filmmakers, artists and producers.
Prescott said: “Feature animation is in an incredible position in the entertainment industry, with strong market growth and animated features regularly appearing in lists of the highest grossing films of the year. I was drawn to the opportunity at DNEG both because of the company’s creative credentials, and because of the wealth of talent across its global facilities. This gives us the ability to bring together creative talent from all aspects of DNEG’s global business to provide the very best service to filmmakers, specifically tailored to the requirements of their projects. I think this puts DNEG in a unique position in the industry.”
Jacomb said: “I am over the moon to be working with David again. He was my VFX supervisor on Rise of the Guardians during our time at DreamWorks, and he is one of a very select pool of senior creatives in our industry who understand the requirements of both visual effects and feature animation at the highest level.”
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More