A Rapid Evolution: Rapid Reinvents With Four Big Hitters

A Rapid Evolution: Rapid Reinvents With Four Big Hitters

Rapid Films and Rapid VR have announced they are now simply know as Rapid, with the full-service production company bolstering its team with four new appointments.

Joining the family are directors Gregor Jordan and Ben Watts, as well as established industry leaders Abby Hunt in the executive producer role, and Steve Thomson in the newly-created position of creative partner. The pair join former Macquarie Bank director Matt Klaiber heading up Rapid’s business development and internal partnerships.

With features such as Two Hands, Ned Kelly, Buffalo Soldiers, plus several award-winning campaigns to his credit, including the Cannes Gold Lion-winning ‘The Great Crusade’ for Qantas, director Gregor Jordan needs no introduction to either the film or advertising worlds. As well as building upon this already solid resumé, Jordan is keen to explore some of the possibilities Rapid has to offer in the growing innovation space.

Globally acclaimed fashion and lifestyle photographer and US-based expat Ben Watts joins the Rapid team eager to build upon his promising body of motion work, that already includes US campaigns for Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Guess and Ralph Lauren. Watts also loves a good excuse to head down under, particularly his hometown of Sydney where he and his also famous sibling Naomi, were raised.

Executive producer Abby Hunt arrives at Rapid following a prestigious career working with some of the world’s leading agencies and directors. Establishing her name at BBH London, Abbey went on to work at Propaganda/Satellite with Michael Bay and Spike Jones, before running Partizan Pictures and working with the legendary Michel Gondry. Upon returning to Australia, Abby joined BWM as national head of onscreen. Abby is eager to consolidate Rapid’s reputation for crafted, quality film-making.

Former TBWA Chiat Day, Los Angeles creative Steve Thomson jumps on board following a recent long-term freelance stint with some of Sydney’s leading agencies. Upon returning to Sydney from LA in 2009, Thomson founded local independent Bondi Advertising where he also created one of the world’s first AR exhibits, at Sculpture by The Sea. He is tasked with helping clients and agencies adapt messaging for innovative mediums, while elevating Rapid’s ideation and storytelling capabilities.

Rapid co-founder and executive producer Susannah Phillips said: “We are all really excited about the new direction Rapid is taking. Gregor, Ben, Abby and Steve bring a wealth of knowledge and talent to the team, and I’m excited to continue to develop the company in both existing and new areas of the business.”

Picture (L-R): Steve Thomson, Dave Klaiber, Susannah Phillips, Taylor Steele, Abby Hunt and Matt Klaiber




Latest News

Opinion: The Tall Poppy’s Kate Smither On The DBA Dilemma
  • Opinion

Opinion: The Tall Poppy’s Kate Smither On The DBA Dilemma

The science is not in question – smarter people than I, with far more data, have codified it. The logic is not up for grabs…it makes sense that creating mental shortcuts to your brand keeps you at the top of your mind. Lead image: Kate Smither – Owner, The Tall Poppy I wouldn’t even take […]

Opinion

by B&T Magazine

B&T Magazine
African woman using a cellphone in an office alone
  • Marketing

Ortto & Tall Bob Partner To Deliver Better SMS & MMS For Australian & NZ Businesses

Two Australian-born technology providers have joined forces to bring more power and choice to marketers in Australia and New Zealand with mobile messaging that is more local, cost-effective, and integrated. It’s a partnership that sees two Australian software companies come together to deliver a world-class mobile-first solution for marketers building data-driven, personalised, omnichannel campaigns. While […]

Slew Of New Hires At Snap Inc.
  • Media

Slew Of New Hires At Snap Inc.

Snap Inc. has announced a number of new recruits. B&T unaware if it positively impacted SEEK's share price.

Reddit Gets Playful Brand Refresh
  • Technology

Reddit Gets Playful Brand Refresh

This will be of interest to any Reddit fans, graphic designers or lovers of an orange so bright it burns the retinas.

Zitcha & Broadsign Partner To Drive Global In-Store Retail Media Market
  • Advertising

Zitcha & Broadsign Partner To Drive Global In-Store Retail Media Market

Zitcha and Broadsign have teamed up to integrate the Broadsign out-of-home (OOH) advertising platform with Zitcha’s retail media platform. The collaboration empowers retailers to maximise and monetise in-store digital display networks and enables advertising partners to easily view and book available in-store inventory and review campaign performance alongside the retailer’s other media channels. With the […]

Double Rainbouu & 7-Eleven Launch Exclusive Summer Fashion Label
  • Marketing

Double Rainbouu & 7-Eleven Launch Exclusive Summer Fashion Label

Today, 7-Eleven has announced a one-of-a-kind collaboration with the popular Sydney-based anti-resort wear label Double Rainbouu. Dropping tomorrow, December 1, just in time for summer, this limited-edition capsule will infuse the fashion brand’s rebellious spirit with a distinctly iconic 7-Eleven flavour. The unisex collection features five must-have styles comprising two signature Hawaiian shirts, a peaked cap, a bucket hat […]

realestate.com.au Extends Major Partnership With Sydney Swans
  • Marketing

realestate.com.au Extends Major Partnership With Sydney Swans

Australian property site realestate.com.au has announced the extension of its partnership with the Sydney Swans for two further seasons. Lead image: Tom Harley, Owen Wilson and Tom McCartin realestate.com.au has partnered with the Swans since 2016 and has called the back of the club’s iconic guernsey home since becoming a major partner in 2020. This […]

Avenue C Nabs Paula Lopes From KINESSO
  • Marketing

Avenue C Nabs Paula Lopes From KINESSO

Leading independent media agency, Avenue C, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Paula Lopes as Digital Director. Paula, a seasoned professional with over 17 years experience in the media industry, joins Avenue C from her role as Chief Operations Manager of KINESSO (merger of Reprise, Matterkind, and Kinesso specialities).

oOh!Media Fuses People & Performance At National Annual Revenue & Growth Conference
  • Advertising

oOh!Media Fuses People & Performance At National Annual Revenue & Growth Conference

oOh!media brought together more than 260 of its sales, operations, commercial, marketing, finance and leadership teams last week for its national annual revenue and growth conference. Held over two days at the picturesque Rydges Resort in Hunter Valley, the event ‘Fusing people and performance’ focussed on how to build a high-performance mindset and how it […]

Free TV Welcomes Government’s Prominence & Anti-Siphoning Framework
  • Media

Free TV Welcomes Government’s Prominence & Anti-Siphoning Framework

Free TV has welcomed the federal government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Australians can access their local free television services on connected TVs through the introduction of legislation to implement a prominence framework in coming days. Free TV CEO Bridget Fair (lead image) said: “Right now, Australian viewers are being steered in the direction […]