Production company 1stAveMachine, with offices in NYC, LA, and London, is expanding its mixed media, animation, and production capabilities by merging with long-time partner TRONCO to form 1stAveMachine Buenos Aires–the culmination of more than 10 years of creative collaboration.
Anchored by an array of Argentinian and broader Latin American talent, TRONCO is a mixed media production and post studio with artists displaying a diverse range of filmmaking skill sets, 2D and 3D animation expertise, full CG capabilities, and more. Adept at crafting captivating visuals for brands and agencies alike and having been a part of the 1stAveMachine roster for close to a decade, the creation of 1stAveMachine Buenos Aires felt like a natural evolution for both companies.
According to 1stAveMachine partner and executive producer Sam Penfield, “The truth is we have been working like partners for years now and many of our global clients already work with our BA office. In this new arrangement, we can offer clients more efficiency whilst maintaining the same level of craft. This translates into more opportunities for our artists and, at the end of the day, isn’t that the goal? From the bottom of my heart, I could not be more excited about our partners, Lautaro (1stAve BA partner/EP Brunatti) and Tomi (partner/director Dieguez), our amazing BA talent, and the future of 1stAveMachine BA in both the LatAm and general market.”
Some of the most notable works from 1stAve BA’s directors include Little Big Awesome, an Emmy Award-winning animated series directed by Dieguez for Amazon Studios, as well as “Earth,” a music video for rapper Lil Dicky directed by TRONCO alum Fede Heller. The latter garnered more than 250 million views on YouTube and won a Bronze Cannes Lion and “Best Music Video” at the Webby Awards.
Additionally, director Toni Balseiro created “Payada Pa Satan,” a social-ambiental mixed media short film that disavows open mining and environmental contamination. Got Milk, a stop motion campaign directed by TRONCO creative duo Becho & Mab also won several Webby Awards. Lastly, rounding out the talent, design and animation studio Hueso has been signed to elevate the new office’s roster of collaborators even further.
“We consider ourselves ambassadors of local talent,” said 1stAve BA’s Brunatti, “and now we have the opportunity to be part of a global network, which increases our chances to create new and better opportunities for everyone. We love the idea of building this new avenue between the local creative potential and the business opportunities abroad.”
1stAve BA partner/director Dieguez added, “We are passionate creators looking to constantly challenge ourselves and develop our skills, not only in advertising, but as we expand beyond commercials and branded content to embrace more animation and mixed media narratives.”
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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