Jason Ambrose has been named executive creative director of R/GA’s Austin office. As the head creative, Ambrose will partner with R/GA Austin’s SVP, managing director Candice Hahn and executive technology director Katrina Bekessy to inspire and integrate multi-disciplinary teams of technologists, narrative storytellers and designers to develop solutions that help brands live up to their highest calling and develop transformative ideas that disrupt culture. In addition, Ambrose will contribute to the office’s active business development pipeline, as well as work with the management team to pinpoint smart talent to join the growing Austin team.
Ambrose joins R/GA from Austin-based Preacher where he served as creative director on The Container Store, Vimeo, Hopdoddy and Cuvée accounts. Other agency experience has consisted of TBWAChiatDay, 72andSunny, and Crispin Porter + Bogusky in both Boulder and Los Angeles. He has worked with brands like MINI, Samsung, Bing, Adidas, Starbucks and Truth. His work has also been recognized at every major global award show including Cannes, The One Show, D&AD, and Clios.
“Jason’s deep stories and systems knowledge and background will help integrate the work at R/GA Austin. We’re looking forward to building on our momentum generating stronger connections and opportunities with our clients. As our disciplines and offerings continue to evolve for our clients’ future needs, Jason will provide a unique and integral perspective for solving problems and inspiring staff,” said Hahn.
Ambrose said, “R/GA is a Master Class in creating groundbreaking work. It’s an honor to be chosen to lead the creative team and partner with Candice. The talent in this office and the power of the network at our backs will only fuel the R/GA approach of putting product, design craft and technology into each creative expression. I’m excited to help our brands and our team live up to their highest potential. And I’m ready to learn a hell of a lot every day in the process.”
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More