Kai Fischer is joining Berlin-based animation and content studio Woodblock as chief commercial officer. Fischer brings with him over 15 years of experience in digital and entertainment, content creation, business development and commerce. During his career, Fischer has built business partnerships with more than 80 companies. Notably, he has partnered with a host of brands and media companies, including AOL Germany, ADAC (Europe’s largest automobile club), and ProSiebenSat.1 (one of the continent’s largest media corporations). Among his latest endeavors is building the branded entertainment business from scratch at Constantin Film, an independent filmmaker and distributor in Germany. At Woodblock, Fischer’s efforts will be focused on business development and commercial partnerships, further developing the Woodblock brand and accelerating IP business….
Postproduction technology and services shop Mad Old Nut Productions, Inc. has appointed Ben Benedetti as executive sales director. In his new role, Benedetti will work closely with CEO Todd Ulman to expand the facility’s ties to studios and independent producers, as well as growing its footprint in the Avid rental market with Mad Old Nut’s remote hybrid editing solution, Apart But Together (ABT). Benedetti’s 30 year career in postproduction includes a broad spectrum of top tier studios and post houses. After breaking in as Ted Danson’s personal assistant on Cheers, Benedetti went on to implement the strategic plan for the development of a new post department at Disney Channel, then segued to leadership roles at Digital Symphony and Ascent Media. He moved to Sony Pictures Entertainment where, as a member of the executive team, he directly administered the award-winning TV sound editorial department while supporting business development for Sony’s Digital Picture Editorial, Post Media Center, Colorworks, and Sony Pictures Sound Facility. Benedetti joined Westwind Media in 2014 as SVP and general manager and in 2019, he became general manager at Periscope Post & Audio, where he oversaw the design, buildout, and construction of their new post facility, as well as administering day to day operations and administration….
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