Envision Media Arts (EMA) has formally announced Andrew Halpern as the new EP/President of Commercial Production. The notice was made this morning by EMA EP/President & CEO Lee Nelson, who oversees both the commercial and feature film divisions of the company.
“Andrew is a power force in sales and production here on the West Coast,” says Nelson. “He has been consulting with us for almost a year, signing directors that he has hand-selected and shooting projects that other people said could not be done. I am thrilled by his results already, and know he is a perfect fit to lead EMA’s commercial division.”
Halpern’s career started on Madison Avenue where he worked on the Agency side in account management on major brands including Honda, Nissan and Jack in the Box. Discovered by the late and great father of production/sales Ray Lofaro, Halpern was enticed on to the production side to work for Chelsea Pictures, MJZ, Dektor’s/Cartel, Plum and RSA. “Because my style is entirely about process and follow through, I found myself producing as much as repping,” comments Halpern. “As I did more of this hybrid style of working, I developed deep relationships with agencies and directors and crew. I am proud to say that I love advertising and the advertising culture, I have made my success through repeat clients and the trust that is behind it. My mandate at EMA is to expand that success into new relationships with agencies and directors.”
Key to both Halpern and Nelson’s collaboration is their professional and personal relationship that spans over two decades. “There has not been an important facet of my business and personal life that I have not valued Lee as a confidant and advisor,” notes Halpern. “I know the same is true for him regarding me. As I lead EMA’s sales effort, I am empowered by Lee’s imaginative positive outlook, his deep roots as a creative producer known for making the impossible possible. We both look at what others call tough times as an opportunity.
“In the early part of my career, I worked for Carl Ally at the storied Ally & Gargano,” continues Halpern. “What I have taken from those heady days, working at the agency that launched MCI, Federal Express, Dunkin’ Donuts and many other national and international brands, is his famous war cry: ‘We are here to have fun and make money!’ Add to that a contemporary spin of, ‘Always leave things better than you found them,’ and you have the EMA credo.”
“EMA’s commercial roster and prospect list is driven by artists with similar ethics who offer a unique vision and passion in their work,” concludes Nelson. The EMA commercial division has recently shot projects for Honda, Ford, and Eli Lilly.
About Envision Media Arts (EMA)
Founded by EP/President & CEO Lee Nelson in 2002, Envision Media Arts (EMA) is a commercial, television and film production company based at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. In 2011, EMA financed and produced two films, “CHAINED,” directed by Jennifer Lynch and starring Vincent D’Onofrio, who won Best Actor at the Sitges International Film festival, and “CELESTE & JESSE FOREVER,” directed by Lee Toland Krieger, and starring Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Elijah Wood, Emma Roberts and Will McCormack. Sony Pictures Classics released the film theatrically in August of 2012. In 2010, EMA supplied financing for “JANIE JONES,” which starred Abigail Breslin and Alessandro Nivola. It screened at the 2010 Toronto Film Festival and was released domestically by Tribeca Film.
Last fall, Envision Media Arts (EMA)’s feature film division, received a coveted Independent Spirit Award Nomination for “Best First Screenplay” for their indie hit “CELESTE & JESSE FOREVER.” The company just announced that Dylan McDermott will star in their new feature film, “FREEZER,” an action/thriller shooting this month in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Mikael Salomon will direct from a script by Tom Doganoglu and Shane Weisfeld. Lee Nelson and David Buelow will
