Stoopid Buddy Stoodios–founded by Seth Green, John Harvatine IV, Matthew Senreich, and Eric Towner–has brought Rob Saunders aboard as executive producer of the Burbank-based shop’s Builds division which specializes in live-action puppets, costumes, masks and props for feature film, TV and commercial productions, along with location-based themed entertainment. The division’s work is featured on Fox’s The Masked Singer, and the upcoming season of Blark & Son, which will premiere on the Comedy Central Originals YouTube channel early next year. Saunders will partner with Blark & Son creator Ben Bayouth and the studio’s head of spots, Steve Bastien, in growing the division.
A 24-year veteran of puppetry and creature effects, Saunders has worked on numerous feature film and television productions including Team America: World Police, the Academy Award-winning Spider-Man 2, the Academy Award-nominated Anomalisa, DisneyXD’s Crash and Bernstein, and the Emmy Award-winning Robot Chicken. He began his career working on the hit Comedy Central show Crank Yankers, from creators Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Corolla and Daniel Kellison. Since 2014, Saunders has served as an animatronic figure producer catering to a global theme park clientele.
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More