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

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