Bicoastal/international Hungry Man just gotten a bit more international, launching an office in Rio de Janeiro. Heading up the new operation in Brazil is managing director Alex Mehedff….Director Annabel Jankel, the “J” on the door at bicoastal/international MJZ, has joined Santa Monica-based harvest. Jankel enjoyed a successful 15-year run at MJZ before deciding to sell her stake in the company to president David Zander and her former husband, director Rocky Morton. Now at harvest, Jankel has already wrapped some viral fare for Go Fast energy drink. She also recently completed viral Greenpeace work to promote action against global warming….Director Matthew Vaughn has signed with bicoastal HSI for U.S. spot representation. He continues to be handled in the U.K. by Paul Weiland Film Company….Sheila Stepanek, former Los Angeles-based executive producer at Partizan, has returned to the company as CEO. The bicoastal/international shop has also secured Melanie McEvoy, formerly of HSI, as executive producer and East Coast head of sales….Trio Films, Los Angeles, has signed director/DP Thomas Kloss…. Argyle Films has opened in Los Angeles under the aegis of executive producer Marlon Staggs, formerly of Rhythm & Hues Commercials. The new venture’s directorial roster consists of Randy Roberts, who came over with Staggs from Rhythm & Hues, and John Mastromonaco, who wrapped a six-year run at Bravo Zulu, Santa Monica…..Director Tony Garcia, has signed with This Is TV, New York….
AICP’s Matt Miller Looks To Build Support For Production In L.A. After Devastating Wildfires
Editor’s note: AICP president and CEO Matt Miller issued the following statement addressing the wildfires in Los Angeles and how the industry can help this key production market--a hub of major resources essential to the health of the overall commercialmaking industry:
Who Needs Los Angeles? We Do.
By Matt Miller, AICP president and CEO
One doesn’t have to be a statistician to know that there are fewer commercials being shot in the U.S. today for the American market than ever before, and a dramatic decrease in L.A. in particular. In the last five years, as reported by FilmLA (the office tasked with issuing permits), L.A. commercial production has dipped 31 percent.
But here’s the thing: This doesn’t mean that L.A. has lost its importance as the production center of the world. Production in L.A. is vital. It is the go-to. It’s where you can count on access to exemplary crews, a support infrastructure second to none, varied location and backlot options, a large population of on-screen talent and (fairly) predictable weather.
The fact is, with overall decline and now the devastation of the fires, we’re on the brink of losing this mainstay resource. Without employment opportunities and now many without homes, talented and trained crew are bound to leave either the industry or the L.A. area for other opportunities, unless there are enough job opportunities to sustain a solid living.
Now is the time when we ALL must support and bolster this community.
Production is needed in L.A., now!
Of course, advertising is a business, and marketers’ money should be spent as efficiently as possible, BUT we have to think beyond each production and know that if we lose the... Read More