1stAveMachine has added Kate Hitchings as executive producer. She formerly served as EP for Electric Theatre Collective and, later its sister company, Friends Electric.
Versatile across all aspects of commercial live-action, VFX, and animation content, Hitchings has helped bring to life narratives for top-tier brands. She was an integral part to the success of Chromebook’s six-part animated series, The Adulthood, and campaigns such as “Swarm” for Lexus and “Mountain” for PlayStation. The latter–which garnered over 40 awards and nominations, including the coveted Cannes Lion Grand Prix–marked the very first time that any production outside of Weta Digital had tapped into crowd simulation software MASSIVE.
Hitchings said, “The partners at 1stAveMachine have built a global mixed-media company that’s truly forward-thinking, and, therefore, future-proof. Technology and media platforms are ever-changing and moving so quickly. It’s ingrained within the culture and leadership here to always look to what’s next and lead that charge. Exploration and experimentation are parts of the very fabric of this company.”
1stAveMachine partner and EP Sam Penfield said of Hitchings, “Her experience across live action and post, in addition to her appetite for innovative platforms and experimental processes, make our stellar producing roster even stronger. In our model, our producing talent are as important as our directorial roster in our pursuit to continue to take risks and push boundaries while maintaining the quality of our projects and responsibilities to our clients.”
Hitchings’ joining comes on the heels of the signings of directors Ron Brodie and Em Cole.
Nikki Baker Becomes CEO At Fallon
Fallon has appointed Nikki Baker as its new CEO. Baker, who joined the creative agency in 2018 and has served as co-chief creative officer with Leslie Shaffer since 2021, succeeds Rocky Novak, who has been in the role since 2019.
Baker’s promotion to CEO comes at a time of significant momentum for the agency, including six consecutive years of growth and award-winning work.
Baker’s recent career highlights include creatively leading the Walmart partnership with the Publicis Groupe team and spearheading innovative campaigns such as the award-winning “RomCommerce” 23-episodic series and the internet-breaking Mean Girls campaign, among hundreds of other campaigns together with the brand over the past few years. Together with Shaffer, Baker has also been instrumental in elevating Fallon’s creative output for longstanding clients like Arby’s, Mattress Firm, and Front Door/American Home Shield.
“I’ve always been an admirer of Fallon, even before I joined. The chance to lead the agency is an absolute honor. Fallon is a place like no other with amazing talent and a legacy of building big, innovative, creative ideas,” said Baker. “Rocky has represented the best of Fallon. He’s been a great leader, and I couldn’t be more excited to take the reins and lead the agency through to the next chapter. With creativity at our core, we’re going to be as ambitious as ever, push boundaries, and continue embracing emerging platforms to deliver work that truly resonates in culture.”
Prior to joining Fallon six years ago, Baker held positions as creative director and art director at agencies including DDB and GSD&M, working with major brands such as McDonald’s, Southwest Airlines, and Wrigley. Her work has been recognized by... Read More