HOLLYWOOD—Michael Crapser has been named executive producer at Motel Films, Hollywood, succeeding Kathryn Turk whose plans weren’t known at press time. Crapser’s last staff position was as partner/executive producer at CGI/visual effects house Moving Pixels, Santa Monica. But he’s best known for his long tenure at Rhythm & Hues Studios, Los Angeles, where he served as exec producer and head of its commercial division.
At Rhythm & Hues, Crapser worked on numerous notable campaigns, including Coca-Cola’s "Polar Bears" for Creative Artists Agency, Beverly Hills, Calif., and Mazda’s "Cool World," out of Doner, Southfield, Mich. He spent 10 years at Rhythm & Hues before leaving last year and coming aboard Moving Pixels (SHOOT, 5/10/02, p. 7), where he oversaw spots, music videos and other projects. After Moving Pixels, he freelanced briefly, serving as executive producer/producer on the animation portion of "Warrior," a :60 for HP Compaq via Publicis & Hal Riney, San Francisco. He worked on that design/animation project through Allied Art & Science, Santa Monica. Live action was directed by Baker Smith of harvest, Santa Monica.
Director Rick Dublin, president of Motel Films, said that Crapser helps diversify the shop beyond its established comedy niche. Motel’s roster includes Dublin, Todd Korgan and Eric Young. The company also handles helmer Jarl Olsen for select projects.
Prior to Rhythm & Hues, Crapser was line producer and first assistant director for director Randy Roberts at Smillie Films, Venice, Calif. Crapser later joined Roberts at Rhythm & Hues. A DGA member, Crapser served on the board of directors for the Association of Independent Commercial Producers’ West Coast chapter.
Motel was launched in ’00 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Dublin Productions. Motel’s spot sales force consists of independent reps John Naitove on the East Coast, Tim Harwood in the Midwest, Dan Reichard in the Southeast and Sandra Riley on the West Coast.
