By Christine Champagne
mania continues on Wall Street, and last month the commercial production industry saw a merger of its own when computer animation/multimedia house Rhythm & Hues, Los Angeles, acquired L.A.-based visual effects shop VIFX from Fox for an undisclosed price (SHOOT, 3/19, p.1).
Rhythm & Hues has wasted no time in bringing VIFX into the fold. In fact, VIFX’s employees have already moved into Rhythm & Hues’ 70,000 square foot campus-like facility. Thus far, no major complications have arisen. Well, maybe one. "There are not enough parking spaces," executive producer for commercials Michael Crapser says, laughing. "There is a guy in the parking lot who double parks and moves the cars around all day."
Aside from the parking crunch, though, Crapser and former VIFX president Richard Hollander-who has joined Rhythm & Hues as president of the feature and theme park divisions-concur that the transition has gone remarkably smoothly considering the logistics.
Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begert’s first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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