Dallas-based digital studio Reel FX has brought back former Reel FX head of production David Bates as general manager. Bates spent nearly eight years with Reel FX from 2002-2010, and will leverage his recent executive experience to assemble in-house teams for projects across Reel FX’s short-form and VR divisions.
“I’m incredibly thrilled to rejoin the team at such an exciting time,” said Bates. “My goal as GM is to blaze even more new trails in the months ahead. We’ve got a lot of great things happening here now, as well as incredible opportunities on the horizon.”
Bates got his start in creative marketing for Fossil, spending nearly a decade in multiple roles, including serving as director of the graphics team for a re-launch of the brand’s apparel line as well as leading the creative vision of the in-store experience for stores worldwide. He joined Reel FX in 2002 as creative director and art department manager. He transitioned to become the SVP/head of commercial production, overseeing the build out of the company’s Santa Monica facility as well as managing sales, project management and operations. He left in 2010 to work at Plano, Texas-based Bedrock Manufacturing.