MPC’s New York studio has boosted its creative firepower on a senior level with a major promotion and the relocation of a top talent.
Ashley Bernes, previously a VFX/CG supervisor at MPC, has been promoted to creative director. Bernes, a 12-year veteran of MPC, arrived in New York to help open the company’s office there in 2011. And Dirk Riesenfeld, a senior effects artist, has relocated from MPC’s Amsterdam office to join the New York studio as 2D VFX supervisor. He has extensive experience working on high-profile ad campaigns in both Europe and the U.K.
Camila De Biaggi, managing director, MPC New York, commented, “We’re delighted to recognize Ashley’s work with this well-deserved promotion and to welcome Dirk to the New York studio. Ashley’s creative leadership on some of our best work, coupled with his rapport with both creative teams and clients, makes this a natural next step in his career. Dirk brings deep creative inspiration and vast expertise working on major ad campaigns in Europe and the UK. Having them here is what makes MPC New York a hub for great work and amazing talent.”
Bernes joined MPC in London in 2006 as a FX technical director and soon became a CG supervisor. He has been creative director on some of the studio’s most high-profile projects, including the Samsung “Billion Colors” spot as well the recent Tiffany’s “Believe in Dreams” campaign launch. Other projects in his portfolio include work for Mercedes, Kohl’s, IBM, Macy’s and Sony’s “Paint”, which won a Gold Lion at Cannes. He has also directed campaigns at MPC including Air Wick’s “Pure Colors” and a film for U.S. Navy’s “Sleep Tight” campaign.
Bernes said, “I worked alongside some of the best and most inspiring artists in the business when I came to MPC, and the company’s culture, dedication and creative standards were ingrained into my everyday work ethic. Today we have a global mindset, and our commitment to tackle the most challenging and creative assignments has been critical to the growth of our brand and our talent. In my role as creative director, I’m looking forward to guiding our team as they continue to produce the very best results for our clients.”
Riesenfeld joined MPC London in 2015 and later moved to its Amsterdam studio. He’s worked on projects for brands such as Nescafé, Pepsi and Mercedes-Benz, and has over 15 years’ experience in visual effects. Among his career highlights are the Heineken “Trailblazing” spot from 2017, and Milka’s “All for One.” Prior to joining MPC he was an effects artist at the boutique European postproduction company The Marmalade Post.
Riesenfeld said, “I’m excited to be joining the New York studio, collaborating with the teams here and embracing the challenge of working in a different market. The studio has created some incredible work, and I want to continue producing the high-caliber products it’s known for, while helping to propel it even further.”
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More