Davud Karbassioun, formerly BBH London’s chief production officer, has joined Pulse Films as global president of commercials and branded entertainment, a newly created position at the company. He will work alongside Pulse co-founders Thomas Benski, global CEO, and Marisa Clifford, CEO, UK and Europe.
Karbassioun will be based initially in London before moving to Los Angeles next summer to further the company’s advancement in the U.S., as well as spearhead the collaborations springing from Pulse’s partnership with Vice Media. In March 2016, VICE Media acquired a majority stake in Pulse Films.
Karbassioun stated “I’ve spent 14 years at BBH learning from the best. Leaving the black sheep family is the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make, especially being party to the fresh momentum building there. The opportunity of partnering with Thomas and Marisa at Pulse is hugely exciting for me at a time of so much change in the film production industry. They have built a unique next-generation production company with a strong foothold in both entertainment and commercials, offering a wide spectrum of creative opportunity for their talent. Even in a more senior role at BBH, I’ve always been close to the work, so collaborating with top directors is something I’m looking forward to. The partnership with Vice Media in the US is a huge opportunity to properly make highly crafted and entertaining branded content for a massive audience. The thought of working in the same office as Spike Jonze (creative director, Vice Media) is a dream come true, his work over the years is the reason I got into the industry.”
Karbassioun has a 14-year history with BBH. Over the past six years he has been leading BBH’s production offering, overseeing the execution of its output and is recognized for his creative influence. He is credited for building one of the most respected integrated production departments in the industry and known for his close collaboration with production companies, creatives and directors. He’s been involved in making some of the industry’s most standout work for The Guardian, AXE, Audi, Levis, Virgin Media, Waitrose, Johnnie Walker and Barnardos. He has won a Grand Prix at Cannes, the Clios and One Show for three different clients and in the U.K. helped BBH to attain agency of the year status for three out of four years at the British Arrows.
