Industry veteran and entrepreneur will be direct point of contact for VFX studio’s growing U.S. client base.
Kenny Solomon.
LOS ANGELES – Canadian based, visual effects and production studio, The Embassy, has announced its expansion to the U.S., opening a Los Angeles office and appointing executive producer Kenny Solomon to head up the operation. The move to expand and create a presence in the U.S. follows the company’s growth in film, advertising, and streaming, which resulted in a hugely positive 2019. The office will provide the VFX studio a direct connection and point of contact with its growing U.S. client base, providing front end project support and tactile creative development while Vancouver remains the heart of operations.
“We have happily been here in Vancouver for the past 17 years plus,” commented Embassy president, Winston Helgason. “I’ve seen the global industry go through its ups and downs and yet we continue to thrive through it all. I’m so proud of our team; we have stayed the course and 2019 was our best year to date. Many of our U.S. clients have asked over the years when we might have a local presence – so here we are! The last few months have been a difficult period of uncertainty and business interruption and, whilst we are operating successfully out of current WFH restrictions, I can’t wait to open up to our full potential once the world is a little more back to normal.”
Solomon, an entrepreneur in the film, TV, and streaming industries, has launched and operated a number of award-winning companies. Most recently, he established Big Block Media Holdings, an integrated media company. The decision to change paths and join The Embassy was influenced by the company’s world-class work, reputation, and sustained growth in an always-changing marketplace.
“Just look at their recent work for Tarsem and RadicalMedia with Saatchi for Toyota,” noted Solomon. "It’s amazing work and the clients all speak of a fantastic experience. Winston, Dave, and the team are just great people too.”
As part of the expansion, a number of new reps have been added to the team. Sarah Gitersonke joins for Midwest representation, while Kelly Flint and Sarah Lange join for East Coast.
2020 has already been an exciting year for The Embassy, who recently reunited with AREA 23/FCB and RSA director Robert Stromberg (Maleficent) to craft a series of fantastical VFX environments for Emgality’s spell-binding new campaign.
The team has been in full production for the past 16 months on all VFX work for Warrior Nun, an upcoming 10-episode series for Netflix. The Embassy was responsible for providing everything from concept art to pre-production, on-set supervision, and almost 700 VFX shots for the show. The team in Vancouver is currently working both remotely and, in the studio, to deliver the full 10 episodes.
“I’ve been a huge fan of The Embassy’s award-winning work for years – we’ve been competitors while I was at CafeFX/The Syndicate and Big Block,” added Solomon. “The response here in the U.S. has been nothing short of amazing – I couldn’t be more excited to share this best kept secret that’s been creating such brilliant work for the past 17 years with the American market! And, being from Vancouver, the team is used to working remotely, so this WFH mandate has not caused us to miss a beat.”
“Kenny was a key component to our growth in the U.S. as I was looking for someone with like-minded creative sensibilities, a fantastic reputation, and solid industry contacts,” concluded Helgason. “He has scaled a number of successful companies in the entertainment space and this is exactly what we need in the U.S. market. Sometimes the stars just align, and things are meant to be. I couldn’t be happier to have a trustworthy set of eyes and ears representing and growing the Embassy brand.”
The Embassy’s new LA base can be found at: 5822 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232.
Source: The Embassy
