Bicoastal Moxie Pictures has extended its reach across the Atlantic, opening a U.K. operation in London under the aegis of managing director Dawn Laren, who comes over from Studio, London, where she served in the same capacity.
The move provides Moxie with a production foothold in Europe, and paves the way for Moxie to secure select jobs from U.K. agencies for its entire roster of directors, except for Martin Granger who already has U.K. representation via Bikini Films, London.
Director Dan Levinson, a Moxie founder, related that setting up a company operation “across the pond” made more sense than linking with an established production house in the U.K. “Our directors enjoy working with us and we wanted to ensure that same relationship and environment for our projects overseas.” He noted that securing Laren was key given her homegrown reputation and connections in the U.K. market.
“Our goal,” stated Laren, “is critical acclaim and growing a vibrant and exciting domestic concern with both local and non-U.K. talent that is absolutely accepted within the London community.”
Moxie president Robert Fernandez described Moxie/London as being “the next step in the development and evolution of the Moxie brand.” He added that Moxie’s directorial roster has generated high demand internationally. “We recognize the importance of the market in the global commercial production community,” said Fernandez, “and we want to be a part of it.”
While its mainstay business is commercialmaking, Moxie has also branched out into branded entertainment, as chronicled in SHOOT. The company has a working relationship with IMAX to produce a documentary film centered on this year’s Volvo Ocean Race, a competition that spans the globe. Moxie is also teaming with Glamour magazine on “Reel Moments,” which entails the making of up to four short films based on real-life experiences of the publication’s readers (SHOOT, 2/25, p. 1).