Congratulations are in order for 25-year advertising and creative veteran Scott Friske. The former EP of SHIPPING + HANDLING has returned east to Richmond, Virginia in order to rejoin design and animation studio Hue&Cry. As Executive Producer. Boom.
In his new position, he reunites with Hue&Cry founder and Executive Creative Director Magnus Hierta in maintaining the company’s culture of creativity and will assume responsibility for ensuring financial growth.
Friske will play lead on sales, recruiting, and general business management, while championing the studio’s roster of talented artists on their creative output.
Hue&Cry is known for its outstanding work on campaigns for agencies like Martin Agency, FCB, and Ogilvy, network properties including NatGeo and MSNBC, and brands like Oreo, Capital One, Discover, and Chevrolet. Take a look at their reel below:
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“I’m thrilled on the move from Los Angeles back to Richmond, and on my homecoming to Hue&Cry,” shares Friske. “The team of artists and the production staff’s dedication to clients here is exceptional. Plus, the versatility and array of capabilities from 2D to 3D to live action Hue&Cry offers are truly stellar. I’m also really excited to be giving some of the best talent in this industry an opportunity to work somewhere other than NY and LA, especially in current times. That speaks to quality of life and I don’t believe that should be taken for granted.”
“We’re incredibly happy to have Scott rejoin Hue&Cry,” shares Magnus Hierta, Hue&Cry Founder & ECD. “As the original Executive Producer, and my partner in starting the studio, getting him back onboard was a no brainer. His incredible energy, leadership, and strong legacy connection to our company will be an immense help as we continue to grow. Plus, his experience with both Richmond clients and the greater production industry are key to adding momentum to our new business efforts.”
Friske makes the move after spending nearly five years on editorial house Spot Welders’ creative campus running the company’s VFX/design/animation division.
During his time at SHIPPING + HANDLING, Friske worked on delivering notable projects for brands such as Beats by Dre, Google, Comcast/Xfinity, Oakley, Pandora, and Fox Sports, award-winning artists like Justin Timberlake and Billie Eilish, and directors including Paul Hunter, Craig Gillespie, Leigh Powis, and Paul Briganti.
Friske also worked with Steve Humble to open the Martin Agency’s in-house editorial, animation, and social content unit Running With Scissors in 2009, helping to expand the agency’s capabilities across all creative production and post services.
Ultimately, it was the catalyst that led to starting Hue&Cry with Hierta in 2013. Friske and Hierta united upon the recommendation by a mutual friend when Friske was on the hunt for a CD to start an animation studio. On originally founding Hue&Cry, Friske reveals, “Early on Magnus realized the potential upside of running a studio. He’s a brilliant creative who understands the importance of the relationship between the art and the product. Far too often creatives leave the messaging to the agency but Magnus’ agency experience bridges the gap.”
Prior, Friske also spent two years at Rock Paper Scissors producing for Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter, renowned for garnering two Academy Awards for their editorial work and going on to build their own creative empires. Friske reflects, “Being around that creativity and business acumen wasn’t lost on me. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from and collaborate with some of the most talented creatives and producers in my career.”
“It’s great returning to this family,” adds Friske. “To this day the early Hue&Cry staff members are some of the most talented with whom I’ve ever worked. Fortunately, a few remain and we’re working together yet again on some fantastic projects.”
Upcoming, Hue&Cry is currently working on projects for the VA Lottery, Epidiolex and MSNBC. In 2019, Hue&Cry released their first film, Into the Flame, an animated short that’s currently making the festival rounds and receiving acclaim, including becoming a Vimeo Staff Pick.
As big fans of Richmond’s bbq and the James River, Reel 360 wishes Scott the best of luck in his new venture.
SOURCE: Carrie Wick PR
