Fancy Signs Applebaum, Karensky Joins B-Reel and More

Director Chris Applebaum has signed with L.A.-based production company Fancy Content for representation. Applebaum is known for his fashion-focused work for brands such as Clairol, Sketchers, Candies, Head and Shoulders (with Sofia Vergara), John Frieda, Hugo Boss and Old Spice. He also created a Carl's Jr. spot starring Paris Hilton and further spots for the brand featuring Kate Upton, Heidi Klum, Ronda Rousey, Padma Lakshmi and Evander Holyfield. His music videos include "Party in the USA," for Miley Cyrus and "Umbrella" (featuring Jay Z) for Rihanna, which won Music Video of the Year at the VMAs. B-Reel Films has signed L.A.-based director Gevorg Karensky to its roster. Karensky, a VR and traditional director, comes to B-Reel from Outsider/Unit 9, having worked on projects for Jaguar out of Spark 44, Nissan out of Digitas LBI, Paris and a VR experience for O2 out of MC Saatchi, London. His recent work includes Mini/BMW's "Real Memories" project. Karensky is the founding partner of Bipolar Id, a VR production company, and B-Reel and Bipolar Id will co-produce all VR projects with Karensky. Gartner has signed directors Andy Delaney and Monty Whitebloom, known as bigtv, to its roster. The pair, who are finalizing production on their first feature film," Look Away," have worked on commercials for clients such as Lincoln, Payless, AXA, Eurostar, Ford, Reebok, Subaru, and the Olympics, and have shot stills campaigns for fashion brands including Kohls and Lacoste. Their music videos include Lauryn Hill's "Doo-Wop ('That Thing')," winner of MTV's Best Video of The Year. The Devil You Know has added directors Cokau and Stephane Sednaoui for exclusive U.S. representation. Cokau (directing team Achille Coquerel and Thomas Kauffmann) met in 2006 and worked together for several years as editor and motion designer in a Parisian audiovisual studio before becoming directors. Sednaoui is a French-American director and photographer known for music videos including "Give it Away" (Red Hot Chili Peppers), "Sly" (Massive Attack), "Mysterious Ways" (U2), "Big Time Sensuality" (Bjork) and "Fever" (Madonna). Stinkdigital has hired Alessandro Pula as executive producer in London, as the company continues to build its virtual reality division. Pula joins from Unit9 where he was executive producer running its West Coast operations for over two years. With nearly 20 years experience in the industry, his work inclues Star Wars: Light Saber Escape, Disney's "Oz," Assassin's Creed Black Flag and "Escape the Map" for Mercedes. He has earned awards from Cannes Lions, D&AD and One Show, and an Emmy nomination for the first live online game show. Digital studio Reel FX has signed director Elliot Dillman for U.S. commercial representation. He has worked on campaigns for Domino's Pizza, Pacifico Beer and Kraft Mac and Cheese, and with agencies like GSD&M, CP&B, Leo Burnett, Y&R and BBDO. Prior to signing, Dillman collaborated with Reel FX on a number of projects, including a recent spot for Hasbro. Interactive director Austin Mayer has joined Chicago-based conceptual design studio Leviathan. Mayer, who has worked on interactive experiences for Linkin Park, Manchester Orchestra, John Mayer and The Rolling Stones, co-founded Chicago-based Eyes & Ears Entertainment, which merged with The Uprising Creative in 2014. There, Mayer was interactive director and a partner, working on projects for AT&T, Activision,Chevrolet, Converse, Samsung and others until joining Leviathan. Audio post-production company Sound Lounge has promoted Mike Gullo from senior producer to executive producer, and hired producer Liana Rosenberg. Prior to Sound Lounge, Gullo worked as marketing co-ordinator at Carl Fischer Music. Rosenberg, who will report to Gullo, joins from audio post-production company Hyperbolic Audio in New York, where she was production coordinator.

Fancy Signs Applebaum, Karensky Joins B-Reel and More

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