Christopher Kief has been appointed to the new position of chief technology officer at Saatchi & Saatchi New York. He comes with deep experience as a director of creative technology, innovation and interactivity at agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi LA and Crispin Porter + Bogusky. He was most recently executive technology director at TBWA Worldwide and chief technology officer of Pilot.is, a design and technology unit within TBWA.
Kief is charged with accelerating Saatchi’s application of technology to its creative product. He will partner with Saatchi & Saatchi’s recently appointed chief creative officer Jay Benjamin and chief production officer Tanya LeSieur.
“We’re creating a maker culture at Saatchi New York”, says Benjamin. “Fast prototyping, immersive storytelling and constant experimentation. Chris brings us the technical and strategic leadership we need, as much a doer as he is a thinker.”
Prior to TBWA, Kief served as director of creative technology and innovation at Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles where he was responsible for the creative execution of all Toyota North America’s digital marketing activities. His return to Saatchi reunites him with LeSieur. He began his career at Crispin Porter + Bogusky as an associate technology director, working on notable projects such as the Domino’s Pizza Builder and Pizza Tracker.
Kief has additionally worked on brands such as Walmart and Nokia across top agencies including BBH, JWT, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Y&R and FCB. Over the course of his career he has received numerous awards including recognition from the Cannes Lions, One Show, SXSW and the Webbys.
“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