NEW YORK, USA — Storytelling production company 1stAveMachine has bolstered its leadership team by welcoming Executive Producer, Kate Hitchings.
Formerly an Executive Producer for Electric Theatre Collective and later, its sister company, Friends Electric, Hitchings is a consummate problem solver, able to meet production challenges with deft skill and resolve. For her approach, she credits her background working with not only production companies and creative studios (such as Rogue Films), but agencies as well (like TBWA\London). In her new role, she looks forward to doing her part to support an environment where visual storytellers of all types and experience levels can grow.
“Production, which takes a village, is always complex and every project offers new challenges”, Hitchings explains. “For me, it gets really exciting when that challenge is a first — the kind of briefs that agencies and brands come up with, but nobody has a clue on how to carry out. The opportunity to assemble together a team of artists, strategists, technical wizards, and more to come up with innovative solutions has always been very appealing. There’s such a sense of achievement when you get to reflect upon the journey, from the basic concept that landed in your inbox to the end result.”
Versatile across all aspects of commercial live-action, VFX, and animation content, Hitchings has helped bring to life narratives for some of the world’s top-tier brands. She was an integral part of the success of Chromebook’s six-part animated series, “The Adulthood”, and campaigns such as “Swarm” for Lexus and “Mountain” for Playstation. The latter — which garnered over 40 awards and nominations, including the coveted Cannes Lion Grand Prix — marked the very first time that any production outside of Weta Digital had tapped into crowd simulation software MASSIVE.
According to Hitchings, “The partners at 1stAveMachine have built a global mixed-media company that’s truly forward-thinking, and, therefore, future-proof. Technology and media platforms are ever-changing and moving so quickly. It’s ingrained within the culture and leadership here to always look to what’s next and lead that charge. Exploration and experimentation are parts of the very fabric of this company.”
1stAveMachine Partner and Executive Producer Sam Penfield adds, “We are so excited to welcome Kate to the 1stAve family. Her experience across live-action and post, in addition to her appetite for innovative platforms and experimental processes, make our stellar producing roster even stronger. In our model, our producing talent is as important as our directorial roster in our pursuit to continue to take risks and push boundaries while maintaining the quality of our projects and responsibilities to our clients. Kate’s talents and collaborative nature are a perfect fit for the company!”
Kate’s joining comes on the heels of the signings for directors Ron Brodie and Em Cole.
