Production company 1stAveMachine has launched 1stAveMusicVideos.
The new music video division will be headed up by Liz Kessler in the U.K. and Randi Wilens in the U.S. Both will be responsible for business and creative development and building 1stAveMusicVideo interests with record labels and commissioners. The roster of filmmakers, photographers, animators and creators in emerging tech offers record companies and their artists a scaled, multi-dimensional creative offering.
Both Kessler and Wilens bring a combined experience of over 50 years in the music video industry.
Kessler has worked at Warner and Island Records and has commissioned for Pulp, U2, Busted, PJ Harvey, Sugababes, Nick Drake, Keane, The Feeling and even Bob Marley. She headed up the music video division at Academy Films and produced for artists including Foals, Beyonce, the WHO, and James Blake.
Quite uniquely, Kessler has won both best producer and best commissioner awards at the UKMVAs, and has also received awards from D&AD, MTV, NME and a Grammy nomination.
With over 20 years of experience, Wilens manages directors and animators and is an executive producer for cutting edge films and multimedia projects. She earned a Grammy nomination for Morphine’s “Early To Bed” promo, directed by Jamie Caliri, and “Like A Stone” by Audioslave racked up over a billion views.
Kessler commented, “I’m very excited to be working with the top class team at 1stAve. With their international range of talent and collaborative and creative approach, they’re a perfect fit for music videos.”
Wilens said, “I’m excited to be working with a revered global production company such as 1stAve. Their diverse roster of directors should lend themselves brilliantly to music videos.”
Sam Penfield, partner/executive producer, 1stAveMachine, said, “Our directors have some exciting ideas that involve the application of AI and emerging technologies in the music video space. We are excited to bring these ideas to life.”
Kerry Smart, 1stAve London managing director and EP, added: “We’re thrilled to work with this powerhouse duo to give our directors that opportunity to really flex their creative muscle. I’m curious to see what emerges from the minds of our incredible roster. And eager to use this new venture as a platform to attract and nurture new talent.”
Both Kessler and Wilens have dedicated their time to education in the arts. Kessler has previously taught at NFTS (National Film and Television School) and UAL (University of the Arts, London) as a guest lecturer.
Wilens is a USC Film School graduate who has lectured in its film production department for 12 consecutive years, as well as in the music industry department at Loyola Marymount University.
