Framestore announced the opening of its new L.A. studio in Culver City. The studio will be led by creative director Aron Hjartarson, senior flame/VFX supervisor Alex Thomas, executive producer Kati Haberstock, head of CG (L.A.) Ben West and producer Mary Nockles. The team will report to president of integrated advertising worldwide, Jon Collins, who helped establish Framestore’s New York office in 2004.
Designed by David Howell of DHD and RAC Design Build, the L.A. studio will connect with London, New York and the company’s newly opened Montreal office to offer clients global, 24/7 service.
Before moving into its new home, the L.A. team crafted VFX on the recent Pepsi Beyoncé “Mirrors” spot, Dr Dre “Beats” as well as a spot for Captain Morgan developed in conjunction with New York.
“With the L.A. office we are able to provide the local commercials community with best-in-class VFX, and are in a strong position to serve as creative partners who support our clients in brand messaging regardless of platform,” Framestore’s co-founder and chief executive officer, William Sargent explained. “We’re a flexible company, where talent from different locations come together on larger projects which means we have a greater capacity to explore areas of innovation like real-time CG and second-screen opportunities.”
“With the continued increase in interest from the West Coast, we needed to provide a local solution in L.A.,” said Collins. “We have worked hard to build a team that is extraordinarily talented. I am excited by the thought of what they will create and I have every confidence that they will be a strong part of the exciting future ahead at Framestore.”
