Gaming organization FaZe Clan has partnered with Sugar23–which is Oscar-winning (Best Picture for Spotlight) producer-manager Michael Sugar’s emerging management and creative platform–to launch FaZe Studios to fuel, produce and source new film and TV projects. Sugar23 will combine its expertise in original, premium entertainment with FaZe Clan’s affinity for connecting with youth culture in the digital space. FaZe Studios plans to bring to fruition movies and television shows that specifically speak to and for youth, helping to shape the cultural zeitgeist. Under the terms of the deal, which was initiated by FaZe Clan’s Xavier Ramos (VP,creative development) and Sugar23’s Brad Foxhoven (head, interactive & gaming), FaZe Studios will operate in Los Angeles with Sugar23 running development operations. Foxhoven will be pointing the initiative for Sugar23, while Ramos and Fami Okusanya (VP, content) will be leading the endeavor on behalf of FaZe Clan….
The film industry supports 2.1 million jobs in the U.S. alone, with millions more around the globe. A large portion of those workers are freelance, and have now gone months without a paycheck. To help those affected, production company Reframe the World has launched KEEPGOING, a virtual gallery selling prints by directors and DPs around the world to support unemployed industry freelancers through the Motion Picture & Television Fund. KEEPGOING is a project created by filmmakers, for filmmakers. It’s a virtual gallery offering 11×17 ($150) and 8.5×11 ($125) semi-gloss archival ink prints including work by a growing list of directors and DPs, including Spike Jonze, Alma Har’el, Mihai Mฤlaimare Jr., Jonas Lindstroem, Gordon Von Steiner, Salomon Ligthelm, Vincent Haycock, Drew Daniels, Rina Yang, and Adam Newport-Berra. For every print sold, KeepGoing will donate 100% of the proceeds to the Motion Picture & Television Fund COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. This fund supports the millions of industry professionals currently facing financial hardship due to the pandemic. Reframe the World’s partners in KeepGoing are creative director Sarah Bassett, design director for Adidas Originals globally at Johannes Leonardo, and WORKS Studio, creative professionals dedicated to the process of cultural advancement through interdisciplinary design. At the heart of the project are the many directors and DPs who generously support the endeavor by donating their work. Michael Peay is EP of Reframe the World….
Nikki Baker Becomes CEO At Fallon
Fallon has appointed Nikki Baker as its new CEO. Baker, who joined the creative agency in 2018 and has served as co-chief creative officer with Leslie Shaffer since 2021, succeeds Rocky Novak, who has been in the role since 2019.
Bakerโs promotion to CEO comes at a time of significant momentum for the agency, including six consecutive years of growth and award-winning work.
Bakerโs recent career highlights include creatively leading the Walmart partnership with the Publicis Groupe team and spearheading innovative campaigns such as the award-winning โRomCommerceโ 23-episodic series and the internet-breaking Mean Girls campaign, among hundreds of other campaigns together with the brand over the past few years. Together with Shaffer, Baker has also been instrumental in elevating Fallonโs creative output for longstanding clients like Arbyโs, Mattress Firm, and Front Door/American Home Shield.
โIโve always been an admirer of Fallon, even before I joined. The chance to lead the agency is an absolute honor. Fallon is a place like no other with amazing talent and a legacy of building big, innovative, creative ideas,โ said Baker. โRocky has represented the best of Fallon. Heโs been a great leader, and I couldnโt be more excited to take the reins and lead the agency through to the next chapter. With creativity at our core, weโre going to be as ambitious as ever, push boundaries, and continue embracing emerging platforms to deliver work that truly resonates in culture.โ
Prior to joining Fallon six years ago, Baker held positions as creative director and art director at agencies including DDB and GSD&M, working with major brands such as McDonaldโs, Southwest Airlines, and Wrigley. Her work has been recognized by... Read More