Ncam Technologies, a developer of real-time augmented reality technology for the media and entertainment industries, has appointed Robin Shenfield as its chairman. In this strategic role, Shenfield will apply his extensive experience in VFX and postproduction to the changing world of real-time VFX, and work in collaboration with the Ncam senior management team and investors to achieve the company’s aims for sustainable global growth.
Shenfield is the co-founder and former global CEO of The Mill, one of the world’s most awarded companies in advertising visual effects and production. Launched in 1990, The Mill was the first all-digital VFX company, and Shenfield continued that forward-looking approach throughout his 30-year leadership with recent innovations including moves into experiential, immersive and IP-based technologies. He oversaw the company’s diversification into feature film VFX with the launch in 1997 of Mill Film–which famously became the first British company to win an Academy Award® for visual effects, for Gladiator in 2001–as well as the launch of Mill+, an innovator in technology-focused production.
Shenfield also grew The Mill from a 30-strong start-up team into a global powerhouse of 1,100 employees across studios in London, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Berlin. He led the acquisition of The Mill by Technicolor in 2015 having previously partnered successfully with several private equity investors including Candover, Carlye and Equistone to expand the company both globally and into new areas of production.
Shenfield stepped down as The Mill’s CEO at the end of 2019. At that time, the plan was for him to continue in an advisory role at Technicolor, The Mill’s parent company. But Shenfield decided to step away entirely from the company at the end of January.
Ncam CEO Nic Hatch said, “Robin’s reputation as a highly respected and trusted individual precedes him. His deep understanding of the creative industries, combined with his experience of successfully building and running an investor-backed business and his eagerness to embrace new technologies, make him the ideal person to help us fulfill and exceed our global ambitions.”
Shenfield said, “Ncam is a leading innovator in the development of augmented reality technology and virtual production. This is a key area of opportunity for producers working across television, film, advertising and events. I’m excited to join Nic and the team to help develop and deliver their vision for further growth.”
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More