London Alley, a creative entertainment studio known for its work in commercials and music videos worldwide, has brought JaQuel Knight on board its directorial roster. An award-winning creative director, director and choreographer, Knight’s credits include the Belvedere Vodka Presents Daniel Craig campaign, H&M “Move” alongside Jane Fonda, the #AbovetheNoise campaign for Beats by Dre featuring N.E.R.D., Beyoncé’s iconic Coachella performances, and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Breakthrough Artist of The Year” Performance at the Apple Music Awards.
Knight brings to London Alley over a decade of directorial experience to the commercial and entertainment industry through his work intersecting brands and artists. Knight said of his colleagues at London Alley, “Over the past few years, they have done an exceptional job with elevating and transforming the careers of talented directors into highly sought after creatives–while steadily bringing a high level of execution and professionalism to every job. I know that at London Alley I will be in great company and feel truly supported. I’m looking forward to continuing to hone my craft and elevate how the world will view the capture of choreography/action on film with an awesome team.”
Knight most recently made history as the first pop/hip-hop commercial choreographer to take complete creative control over his talent when he copyrighted his work through the launch of Knight Choreography and Music Publishing Inc., a music publishing company centered on putting the power back in artists’ hands.
“I have always respected JaQuel’s impeccable vision and the work he brings to life,” said Luga Podesta, founder of London Alley. “I couldn’t be happier to officially have him join our team. His creative vision, approach to performance, and artistic point of view could not align more with London Alley and our culture-shifting paradigm. I’m looking forward to seeing the fresh concepts and opportunities for artists and collaborators he creates.”
The announcement comes on the heels of a strong year for London Alley in 2022 with high-profile production work including SZA’s “Kill Bill” Music Video, Pepsi’s “The One That I Want,” and Tiesto & Tate McRae’s “10:35” for the Atlantis Hotel.
SMPTE elects board officers, regional governors
SMPTE®,the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has revealed the board officers and regional governors who will serve terms beginning in January 2025.
Three new officers--Richard Welsh as SMPTE president, Eric Gsell as SMPTE executive VP, and Polly Hickling as SMPTE Education VP--have been elected for a two-year term from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2026. One SMPTE officer, Lisa Hobbs, will be continuing her service as SMPTE secretary and treasurer for another two-year term. Additionally, Raymond Yeung will be stepping into the role of standards VP on Jan. 1, 2025.
“SMPTE’s membership has spoken,” said SMPTE interim executive director Sally-Ann D’Amato. “These officers have been tasked with an important responsibility, one each of them is prepared to tackle head-on. These next two years are looking bright for SMPTE!”
In addition to the officers, 10 regional governors were elected by the Society to serve two-year 2025-2026 terms.
These include the following regional governors, re-elected to continue their service:
Asia-Pacific Region Governor
Tony Ngai, Society of Motion Imaging Ltd.
EMEA - Central & South America Region Governor
Fernando Bittencourt, FB Consultant
United Kingdom Region Governor
Chris Johns, Sky UK.
USA - Central Region Governor
William T. Hayes, Consultant
USA - Eastern Region Governor
Dover Jeanne Mundt, Riedel Communications
USA - Western Region Governor
Jeffrey F. Way, Open Drives
Also elected were four newcomers to the SMPTE Board:
Canada Region Governor
Jonathan Jobin, Grass Valley
USA - Hollywood Region Governor
Allan Schollnick, Voxx... Read More