Saatchi & Saatchi, New York chief creative officer Gerry Graf announced last week that he's resigning from the agency effective July 13 to start his own creative venture. The agency is expected to appoint a new CCO by the end of April.
"I am going to start a creatively-led company. One part of course will be advertising," Graf said in a statement. "While at Saatchi & Saatchi and at TBWA before, I started creating web content, digital platforms, even television shows. There is a huge market for creative ideas. Advertising is just part of that market. I believe nowadays, the most creative idea will bring the most success. Luckily, I know a lot of people who can help me create and sell those ideas."
Graf joined Saatchi in 2008 after spending four years at TBWA\Chiat\Day, New York. He succeeded Tony Granger who left to become worldwide creative director at Young & Rubicam.
Ad agency
Standard Time has opened in Los Angeles. It is headed by partner/CEO Michael Sharp and partner/chief creative officer Amy Demas. The client rosters includes CVS/pharmacy, Williams-Sonoma, DC Shoes, Monster Energy, and LA-based fashion label Seneca Rising.
Santa Monica-based
chrome has added editor Michael Hackett to its roster.
Post house
FEEDTHEWALRUS has opened an office in Los Angeles headed by EP Christie Price. The editorial roster includes Joel Marcus, Mark Imgrund and Michael Moore. The expansion plans will eventually including a colorist, two producers and Flame/VFX artists.
Austin-based editorial house
Beast has expanded by adding a Smoke room for finishing projects and hired senior editor Ariel Quintans and Smoke artist Jim Reed. The company has also partnered with sister shop Company 3 to provide virtual telecine services.
New York-based
Manic Design + Visual Effects has signed veteran VFX Artist David A. Elkins.
Boutique editorial shop
Butcher, Santa Monica has added editor Gordon Carey, ex-Filmcore/Beast, to its roster.
Company X has signed editor Yuko Koseki, previously of Ohio Edit, for exclusive representation.
New York-based creative agency
Wee Beastie has hired art director Travis Blain.
Bandito Brothers, Culver City has signed director/cinematographer Shane Hurlbut for US spot rep.
Wilfrid Park, Toronto has signed commercial director-screenwriter Lara Shapiro for Canadian spot rep.
Angelique & Assoc., Los Angeles has signed DPs Lou Chanatry, Matt Wise and PD Roy Rede.
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