Ascent Media Group Merges Riot and Method

Ascent Media Group recently announced that as of January, two of its boutique visual effects studios, Riot and Method, will unite operations under the Method name.

“By uniting our boutique visual effects studios we are better positioned to provide our clients with the best talent and creative services in the market,” said Jose Royo, CEO of Ascent Media Group. “This move will allow us to better offer our clients the most innovative, industry leading solutions in a rapidly changing advertising and media space.”

Method recently opened its office in New York and will unveil a new, state-of-the-art New York facility in the spring. Industry veteran Aron Hjartarson, previously head of 3D at The Mill NY, will assume the role of creative director, and Matt Hackett will act as animation supervisor in New York. In addition, Gabby Gourrier, who spent nine years at Digital Domain and helped to open The Mill LA, has come on board as senior executive producer/VP.

Gourrier will be working closely with Helen Hughes, who joins as executive producer and director of production. Hughes has produced numerous award-winning commercials including Nike’s “The Next Level” with Guy Ritchie.

Method’s operations in Los Angeles will be located at what was formerly Riot’s Santa Monica facility.

Andy Boyd will serve as the new head of 3D at Method Studios in Los Angeles. Boyd brings a wealth of industry experience as the former Head of 3D at Framestore and a recipient of the 2006 Cannes Lion Awards for the Guinness “NoitulovE” commercial.

Alex Frisch, co-founder and managing director of Method, will continue overseeing Los Angeles and New York operations. Since Method’s opening in 1998, Frisch has provided creative leadership and produced high-end visual effects. The integrated operations in both Los Angeles and New York will bolster Method’s unique, collaborative partnership with Company 3, which provides clients around the world with a full spectrum of postproduction services.

“The integration of Method and Riot gives us the unique ability to package our respective services and offer the highest level of artistry, the most technologically advanced equipment and the most efficient workflows managed by the best team in the business,” said Stefan Sonnenfeld, colorist and Company 3’s co-founder.

“With Andy, Aaron and Matt’s significant creative accomplishments, we are building the best roster of talent in the industry.”