By CAROLYN GIARDINA
New York-based National Video Center/Recording Studios, which also maintains facilities in Boston and Westport, Conn., has named Jonathan Applebaum VP of technology and engineering. Also, Herb Ohlandt, who has been with National for 22 years and held the title senior executive VP, recently resigned. Ohlandt told SHOOT that he wished to "pursue new challenges."
Applebaum spent the past 14 years at Broadway Video, New York, initially as a senior editor. He most recently held the position VP of engineering/editorial services.
Applebaum assumes some of Ohlandt’s former responsibilities while handling evaluation, acquisition and maintenance of new technologies in New York. He will also collaborate with engineers in the company’s other locales. National said it intends to expand into new cities, although there were no firm plans at press time.
"They are a very large, diverse company," said Applebaum of his new roost. He observed that "the industry is at a real turning point" and that National has "the will and desire to forge into DTV and HDTV." National provides the opportunity to "get involved in areas I was not traditionally involved in," he added, noting that the company offers studios and 3-D capabilities.
Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begert’s first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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