Director Rod Blackhurst has signed with bicoastal The Famous Group for spots and brand content. Blackhurst’s first feature Here Alone won an audience award at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Next month his Netflix Original documentary Amanda Knox will premiere at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. Blackhurst is probably best known in the ad industry for his recent branding campaign for Airbnb,,,.
New York-based production studio Sibling Rivalry has added Gerald Ding to its directorial roster. Ding has helmed spots for brands such as Apple (“Loved”), Google (Android “Handshake”), Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, Gillette, Pepsi, McDonald’s, Samsung and Converse. He has also worked with musical artists including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Vampire Weekend and Kid Cudi….
Cast & Crew Entertainment Services has completed its previously announced acquisition of CAPS Payroll, a leading payroll provider spanning multiple entertainment markets including commercial production, venues, music tours, live events, unscripted television and independent film. As previously disclosed, Silver Lake, the global technology investing leader and controlling shareholder of Cast & Crew, committed substantial additional equity to fund the acquisition and support Cast & Crew’s continued growth. Following its acquisition by Silver Lake in mid-2015, Cast & Crew has accelerated investments to extend its technology leadership and to strategically align itself for the industry’s digital future. In addition to the acquisition of CAPS, itself a technology pioneer in the entertainment subsectors it serves, Cast & Crew’s other recent investments include the release of new and advanced digital workflow solutions and the acquisition of screenwriting software leader Final Draft, Inc….
