• Thursday, Jul. 20, 2023
Chris Batten promoted to managing director at Absolute
LONDON -- 

Absolute has promoted Chris Batten to managing director. Batten, known as “Chopper” to some, joined Absolute as executive producer in 2022, following more than 20 years at The Mill. He’s proved to be an integral part of the production team, spearheading new business pipelines and bringing a wealth of industry knowledge to the table. 

Batten has built a career dedicated to cultivating relationships with leading agencies, production companies and directors around the globe, working with key talent across award-winning projects.  With a continued focus on elevating Absolute’s end-to-end offering industry wide, Batten in his new role he will also provide strategic input into the studio’s plans for the future, which include an office move and a complete tech overhaul.

Batten said, “It’s been brilliant to work with such a talented and dedicated team. Even in a difficult market, we’ve continued to gather momentum, opening doors to some fantastic opportunities. We’ve some exciting times ahead and as MD, I’m wholeheartedly looking forward to developing further what is an already highly regarded and respected studio.”

Absolute CEO David Smith added, “Chris has quickly made a lasting impression on the entire team. Not only is he passionate about the work, he is also widely respected within the industry and has such a calm and considered approach. I look forward to having him by my side as we look towards Absolute’s next chapter.”

  • Tuesday, Jul. 11, 2023
Editor Dana Bol joins Blue Table Post
Dana Bol
BROOKLYN, NY -- 

Blue Table Post has added editor Dana Bol to its creative collective. Bol is an editor known for developing engaging and authentic narratives in both advertising and long form documentary. Her branded collaborations include campaigns for Gillette, HP, US Navy, Esquire, Heineken, Nautica and Ford, as well as experiential multi-screen installation projects for L’Oreal, NBC Universal, and WWE, among others.

Prior to joining Blue Table Post, Bol edited a documentary project via the studio on philanthropist Doris Buffet. Following the success of this collaboration, the conversations about deepening the alliance quickly and organically evolved.

“Dana and I have known each other for many years, and I have long admired her ability to shape stories that are rooted in human connection,” said Blue Table Post founder/editor Oliver Lief. “She’s someone who places emphasis on fostering connections, which is evident in her storytelling, client relationships, and her working with integrated creative teams.”

“There are so many elements that make this an exciting and welcome opportunity for all of us,” Bol related. “Among them, the ability to unite our shared interest contributing to a diversity of content, and to help give further voice to the special experience that Blue Table Post provides. Constructing stories that have emotional voracity is an honor--whether for a brand, in a documentary, or a live experience.”

Bol’s early interest in editing was sparked when she studied avant-garde cinema at the University of Colorado, Boulder, engendering a lifelong passion for expressive cinema and multi-layered imagery. A member of Free The Work, Bol has played key roles at a number of companies and was the founder of both arc*light editorial and Tallgirl. Her time stewarding companies and building teams provided a unique vantage point to the business side of the industry and an appreciation for the environment, mission and vision of Blue Table Post.

In addition to her ability to craft a story through editing, Bol is experienced in working in motion graphics, animation and compositing; and studied experiential space design at Parsons School of Design. Through her editorial and creative work experiences she became intensely curious about the crossover between 2D/3D computer generated imagery and architectural space, which has informed her work in cutting-edge immersive video installations.

She’s also an accomplished painter, another connection point to Lief whose appreciation for all facets of artistic practice led Blue Table Post to host an ongoing series of fine art shows encompassing photography, sculpture, painting and multimedia. 

  • Thursday, Jun. 29, 2023
Paula Maki joins space150 as exec creative director
Paula Maki
MINNEAPOLIS & LOS ANGELES -- 

Tech-driven creative agency space150 has brought Paula Maki on board as its new executive creative director. She reports to space150 founder and CEO Billy Jurewicz, and works alongside longtime ECD Ned Lampert.  

Adding new business wins from Apple (Beats by Dre), Mayo Clinic, Treace Medical Concepts, Ascensia Diabetes Care, and CHEQ, a social-gifting consumer app, space150 has seen nearly 30% agency growth this year.

“Change is central to space150’s DNA as we have continued to reinvent our identity every 150 days and have done so since opening our doors back in 2000,” said Jurewicz. “With Paula joining our ranks as a new ECD, we look forward to writing new chapters of change with our clients and our teams.”

Maki brings a track record of working with brands including Target, Google, eBay, MSNBC, Tinder and Allstate. She joins space150 from Elephant, where she was VP creative, responsible for overseeing creative communications across its West Coast offices and building the agency’s writing discipline for clients including Apple. Previously, she served as creative director at 72andSunny.

“space150 is audacious in ambition yet methodical in execution. I appreciate the balance of head and heart, especially at the intersection of advertising, design, and innovation. I’m most looking forward to growing a diverse, multidisciplinary team that solves problems in defiant and magnetic ways,” said Maki.

  • Thursday, Jun. 29, 2023
Editor Nia Imani Gets To Work
Nia Imani
LOS ANGELES -- 

Work Editorial has added editor Nia Imani to its roster. Imani is based in Los Angeles and represented by Work Editorial globally

A native of Orlando, Fla., Imani is a Grammy Award-winning editor well known for her work on Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce and Black Is King. Imani has created visual content for Beyonce and Jay-Z’s On The Run 2 Tour as well as for Olivia Rodrigo, Steve McQueen, Janicza Bravo, Chloe and Halle and H.E.R. Working across narrative, documentary and all experimental modes of filmmaking, Imani has collaborated with global brands such as Miu Miu, Patta, Sacai, Nike, Gucci and more.

Imani attended Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts where she was drawn to the edit process and loved the fact that it was hard! Starting with friends projects at school there, she discovered that in the edit you make things come to life, making things ‘be’.

After graduating she sought out fellow alum, film editor Joi McMillion, award-winning editor of Moonlight. McMillion became not only an inspiration but a mentor and great supporter of Imani, introducing her to Beyonce’s company, Parkwood.

Most recently, Imani edited an episode for the second season of FX’s highly regarded show The Bear and was accepted into The Sundance Documentary Edit and Story Lab where she and her team will workshop an in-progress documentary feature film.

Working in all aspects of film editing from music promos, commercials to narrative long form has lent a whole new dimension to her work, “Editing is where it all comes together, finding different puzzles, there’s no ‘no,’ there’s just different.”

Work Editorial founding partner Jane Dilworth said, “Nia is an incredible talent; it’s been a joy to get to know her work and her. She has a wonderful and positive excitement about all aspects of editing which is not only inspiring but also makes me excited about the future for her and the industry!”

Imani also loves to continue to exercise her creative brain by sculpting and painting.

  • Wednesday, Jun. 28, 2023
Kim Slowik joins WTP Pictures as director of partnerships/EP
Kim Slowik
LOS ANGELES -- 

WTP Pictures, with bases of operation in L.A. and Detroit, has brought Kim Slowik aboard as its director of partnerships/executive producer. The addition of Slowik to the leadership team at WTP Pictures comes at a pivotal time as WTP continues to gain momentum with a recent rebrand from its We The People moniker. As director of partnerships, Slowik will play a crucial role in amplifying and supporting WTP Pictures’ roster of creatives and aiding the company’s propulsion into original content and documentary work. 

Throughout her career, Slowik has paired her knack for agile problem solving and expertise of production with a commitment to developing talent and promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. For the past two decades she has touched almost every aspect of production with previous roles including sales and marketing executive, music producer at Howling Music and post producer at Milagro Post. Starting as an agency producer at Doner, Leo Burnett, McCann, and Goodby, Silverstein, & Partners, she quickly rose up the ranks to executive producer at The Martin Agency. She has led award-winning brand campaigns and activations for the likes of Ford, Old Navy, DoorDash, Chevy, and more. 

Susan Rued Anderson, WTP co-founder/executive producer, said, “Kim is that person in a room full of people that makes it a point to know everyone. She is curious, smart as hell, and incredibly strategic. Having worked at top agencies, she brings an insight to the creative and inherently understands what will be needed for the project. She recognizes talent and understands the necessity of uplifting and supporting underrepresented talent. As director of partnerships/EP at WTP, she is essential in helping us curate the WTP Pictures roster and working in liaison to agency producers and creatives.”

Slowik added, “Working alongside this team has already been so refreshing. It’s people who genuinely care about each other, united by their passion for creating something new and fresh. I’m proud to be a part of it.” 

  • Tuesday, Jun. 27, 2023
Matt Wade joins 11 Dollar Bill as sr. editor & creative lead
Matt Wade
CHICAGO, BOULDER & RALEIGH -- 

Postproduction studio 11 Dollar Bill, Raleigh, has added Matt Wade to its staff as sr. editor and creative lead. Formerly with Futuristic Films, Denver, Wade brings experience spanning commercials, digital content, music videos and other media, including recent work for Colorado Lottery, Spotify and American Airlines.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt to North Carolina and 11 Dollar Bill,” said managing director Josh Eggleston. “His skills as a content creator and storyteller will be a great asset to our clients in Raleigh, and through 11 Dollar Bill’s studios in Chicago and Boulder. He is a wonderful collaborator and problem-solver. His positive attitude and fun-loving nature make him someone you are grateful to have in the room.”

Wade was sr. editor at Futuristic Films for four years and previously held a post as editor at Denver agency Crispin Porter+Bogusky. A graduate of Colorado State University, he got his start as a director and editor of music videos. More recently, he has focused on advertising and branded projects. He collaborated with Denver agency Cactus on several award-winning campaigns for the Colorado Lottery. He also edited several episodes of the short film series The Shadow Campaign for DPS Skis.

“I take great joy in telling stories, especially when I can make them shine in a way that’s unexpected,” he said. “In addition to serving the director or agency, I think it’s my responsibility to bring something extra to the project.”

Wade views his new role at 11 Dollar Bill as an opportunity to work on a diversity of creatively challenging projects and help the studio to grow. “It’s a great fit,” he insisted. “It’s a fresh start, a chance to work with clients in a personal way and to build something new.”

  • Tuesday, Jun. 27, 2023
Identity hires EP Molly Mitchell to run its flagship NYC Office 
Molly Mitchell
NEW YORK -- 

Production company Identity has appointed Molly Mitchell as its newest executive producer. With an extensive sales background and a track record of cultivating talent, Mitchell is poised to bring fresh creative energy and strategic leadership to the company, now in its 25th year of business.

After many years managing talent for the likes of Big Sky Edit, Assembly Films and MacGuffin Films, to name a few, Mitchell transitioned to working as a producer from production through post, as well as on the agency side. In 2020, Mitchell founded Houseboat, a “floating” production house built to shape itself specifically for every campaign, with a mission to represent diverse voices and perspectives across the industry.

Now at Identity, Mitchell joins a team that complements her skillset and goals. “It’s invigorating to join a well-established brand that takes risks,” she stated. “We share the same enthusiasm for the future of our industry. Identity embraces a different way of thinking, and that was really important for me. I’m really drawn to creative that pushes boundaries, from quirky comedy to provocative tabletop--I like being a part of work that keeps us all on our toes! There’s also a great amount of trust, and that’s paramount to any successful relationship.”

In her new role, Mitchell will oversee all aspects of production and development, working with Identity’s directorial roster to deliver groundbreaking work across various mediums. 

Identity founder Joe Masi said, “Molly brings great knowledge of what is happening now--the trends, the changes and the opportunities. Having run her own company, she knows what it takes to be successful, and she’s built an amazing reputation for herself. Identity is involved in many things, and I was looking for someone who could grow not just Identity, but the company as a whole. Once Molly started meeting our directors, it was obvious to all that she is the person to take us to the next level. As things change in our business, so have we, and we have done it successfully. I’m excited to know that adding Molly to the team will bring great new ideas.”

  • Monday, Jun. 26, 2023
Jacki Kelley returns to Interpublic as chief client officer and chief business officer
Jacki Kelley
NEW YORK -- 

Jacki Kelley has been appointed EVP, chief client officer and chief business officer for Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). In this newly created role, Kelley will leverage her extensive expertise across the agency and media space, as well as her dedication to client success, to drive innovation, collaboration, and value for IPG’s global portfolio of clients. Working closely with the company’s agencies and leadership teams and reporting to IPG’s CEO, she will focus on delivering exceptional client results, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing IPG’s position as an industry leader.

Kelley re-joins IPG from dentsu, where she most recently served as its CEO, Americas, and chief client officer. Prior to joining dentsu in 2019, Kelley held prominent executive and operational positions at Bloomberg LP, Yahoo!, USA Today and IPG Mediabrands, where she was CEO, North America, and president of global clients, prior to which she was the global CEO for UM. During her tenure at Mediabrands, Kelley played a key role in driving innovation across the agency--successfully integrating cutting-edge tools, technologies, and services for clients in North America and across the broader global network.

IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky said of Kelley, “She is a force in our industry, who leads with great heart and a keen understanding of what marketers need in order to succeed in today’s complex media and consumer landscape. Over the course of her career, Jacki has consistently built lasting relationships with clients that drive value and growth for their businesses.”

Kelley said, “IPG is where I learned the importance of ‘work you love, with people you love’--a beautiful statement coined by The Martin Agency’s late and amazing Mike Hughes. Our industry is the ultimate team sport, and I am excited to return to the field with IPG’s dynamic leaders and strong agency brands. I look forward to partnering again with Philippe, who remains one of the most strategic and thoughtful leaders--someone who consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation and progress to drive growth for IPG’s clients and people.”

  • Tuesday, Jun. 20, 2023
Editor Blake Bogosian joins Cut+Run
Blake Bogosian
SAN FRANCISCO -- 

Cut+Run has added editor Blake Bogosian to its roster. Bogosian, a mainstay in the San Francisco creative community, has contributed to campaigns for BMW, Intel, Google, Samsung, PayPal and more. 

”Blake and I met 10 years ago and I have closely followed his career since,” said Cut+Run executive producer Brian Stanley. “He brings an infectious blend of authenticity and passion for filmmaking to every project.”

Bogosian is a natural storyteller and versatile editor, working across multiple genres and occasionally stepping behind the camera to direct a handful of successful short films. Prior to joining Cut+Run, he was at Beast.

“Working at my dad’s corner store in Los Angeles, I learned at a young age how to engage with people from all walks of life. I am often reminded of that experience in my day-to-day collaborations with clients and directors,” Bogosian explained. “I am lucky to be surrounded by creative people and do what I love.”

“Blake is an editor who is beloved by so many, and I instantly connected with him and his love of the craft,” said Michelle Eskin, managing partner, Cut+Run. “We are excited to add his talent to our roster and also launch him nationally in this new chapter of his career and our San Francisco office.”

  • Friday, Jun. 16, 2023
A Union reunion for editor Jono Griffith
Jono Griffith
LOS ANGELES -- 

Editor Jono Griffith has returned to bicoastal Union, and will be available to take on new projects as of July 1. His notable work includes Canal+’s “The Bear” (director: Matthijs van Heijningen, agency: BETC Euro RSCG) and Rolo’s “Elephant” (director: Rogier van der Ploeg), both of which won the Grand Prix at Cannes, as well as Super Bowl Ad Meter winners “100 Year Game” for the NFL (director: Peter Berg, agency: 72andSunny) and “Hero’s ‘Journey” for Kia starring Melissa McCarthy (director: van Heijningen, agency: David&Goliath). Griffith’s frequent collaborations with van Heijningen have also yielded the director’s Cannes Lion, One Show, Clio and LIA winner, “The Ostrich” (Leo Burnett/Chicago), for Samsung. 

Other recent work for Griffith includes Diablo IV’s “Saviours Wanted” (directors: Chloé Zhao/Kiku Ohe, agency: 72andSunny), Nike’s “Qiang Diao” (director: Finn Keenan, agency: Wieden + Kennedy), and Audi’s “Escape” (director: van Heijningen, agency: BBH). Griffith was at Work Editorial before rejoining Union. Other prior affiliations include Final Cut and his own company, Circus.

Michael Raimondi, Union partner/managing director, said, “Jono is a unique talent who effortlessly crafts stories that bridge the gap between comedy and drama. They are bold and always ring true.” 

Griffith said, “My family business is films and stories--and I love it. Union is as dedicated to these passions as I am. Being part of this family and sharing these passions as an editor, and as a mentor, really is as good as it gets. I can’t wait to show the world what we can do.”

Griffith’s work is as likely to make you cry as laugh, sometimes within the same spot. The aforementioned Samsung spot elicits smiles as an ostrich inadvertently dons a pair of AR goggles and sweetly takes flight, winning the admiration of his fellow landlocked birds. “Music Academy,” for Principal Financial Group (director: Michael Spiccia, agency: TBWA\Chiat\Day LA), is moving and grounded in a mom’s love for her daughter. Going broad, “Cool Ranch” for Doritos (director: Lance Acord, agency: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners) features a dance duel between Sam Elliott and Lil Nas X, including the only time Elliott’s iconic mustache has done “The Wave.” 

Griffith has filmmaking in his blood. “My dad was the British character actor and documentary filmmaker Kenneth Griffith, and my mother was a talented actress,” he said. “She was also the great granddaughter of pioneer filmmaker, William Haggar,” whose various credits include cutting in the first close up, the first camera pan, the first police chase, and more. “So the family started in film editing in 1902,” he added.

Griffith studied photography but most of his teens were spent living the lifestyle of a wannabe anarchist, when he met his wife Julie--“a punky nurse who lived in Hackney,” he said, adding that “we quickly married and soon had twin baby girls.” He started his career working on one of his father’s documentaries (prior to her assassination, Indira Gandhi had asked him to make a film about her father Nehru); Jono was supposed to do the still photography, but ended up doing and learning so much more, observing the editor Reena Mohan (“her shed was a calm and creative oasis...something I still try to provide,” he said). As a runner at VTR, he became further enamored of movie magic (as he put it, “rushes went in there dead and living films came out”). Next was his tenure at commercial editorial company DGW, where he rose to editor under the tutelage of Kevin Whelan, who had opened DGW Amsterdam (c.1994), with Wieden+Kennedy as a client; Griffith and his family relocated so he could take on work, including many collaborations with Czar Films owner/director van de Ploeg (including Rolo's “Elephant”) and his burgeoning relationship with van Heijningen. Griffith also began working with Tomato in London, including cutting the feature length Underground concert film of Everything Everything. He cut Destiny’s “Become Legend” (director: Joseph Kosinski, agency: 72andSunny), and worked with The Chemical Brothers, and continues the relationship, having recently edited “Don’t Think,” chronicling their live performance at Fuji Rock. 

During a one-year stint at Final Cut, Griffith worked with Chris Cunningham and Traktor, Romain Gavras (notably cutting Adidas “All In” via Sid Lee), before starting his own company, Circus. Joining Union Editorial opened the door to the U.S., and Griffith’s work on The Thing, a feature film for Universal directed by van Heijningen, led to more longform assignments spanning documentaries, feature films and TV shows, the most recent being Brassic 4, which won Best Comedy Drama at the Royal Television Society Awards. He cut the feature doc, The Other Final, which took home the Banff Mountain Fest Best Documentary Grand Prize and Cannes Film Festival Special Mention Documentary Prize.

Griffith has also worked with filmmakers James Mangold, Peter Thwaites, Wayne McClammy, Ruben Fleischer, Madonna, Hamish Rothwell, Albert Kodagolian, and many more. Additional awards and honors include Eurobeat Grand Prix, EPICA Epica d’Or, numerous Cannes Lions Gold, ADC Gold, ANDY Gold, Addy Gold, Clio Editing Gold, D&AD Yellow Pencil, and Int’l ANDY Gold Editing.

Griffith moved to L.A. earlier this year.

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