Tag, a global production agency owned by Dentsu, is expanding its specialist craft production offering, Gate, into Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, with veteran production leader Nigel Kenneally appointed to lead its regional operations.
Kenneally has been named production lead, Gate – JAPAC, and will be based in Bangkok as Tag looks to meet growing demand from brands for specialist production expertise, flexible delivery models and local market knowledge.
Gate brings together expertise across film, photography, CGI, VFX, sound and post-production, helping brands create content and campaigns at scale through a global network of production talent, technology and creative craft.
Kenneally brings more than 30 years of experience across agencies, production companies and global brands. His previous senior production roles include Publicis Mojo, Lowe and Partners, Nissan United (TBWA) and Plakat Productions, with experience spanning advertising, content production and integrated campaigns across Australia, Asia and international markets.
Simon Lewis, CEO of Gate, said the expansion was a “natural next step” following the company’s work with clients across the region.
“There is exceptional creative talent throughout the region and a growing need for production partners who can connect local expertise with global capabilities,” Lewis said.
“Nigel has built an outstanding reputation throughout his career and understands both the creative and production sides of the business. His experience, relationships and understanding of the market make him the ideal person to lead this next chapter for Gate and Tag.”
Kenneally said clients were increasingly looking beyond technology alone, instead seeking production partners capable of combining creative expertise with efficient ways of working.
“Clients aren’t looking for technology for technology’s sake. They’re looking for great work that solves business challenges,” he said.
“What excites me about Gate is our ability to bring together the right creative talent, production expertise and technologies to deliver the best outcome for every brief.”
He added that Gate’s “flexible, hybrid approach” combines specialist craft with new production technologies while keeping quality at the centre.
Through Tag’s established presence across the region, clients in JAPAC will have access to Gate’s film, photography, CGI, VFX, sound and post-production capabilities, supported by an integrated production model designed for both local and multinational campaigns.
Trent Agnew, CEO of Tag JAPAC, said the expansion would help clients produce work across multiple markets without compromising quality.
“We’re seeing more clients ask how they can create exceptional work efficiently across multiple markets without compromising quality. Expanding Gate into JAPAC helps us do exactly that,” Agnew said.
The move also builds on Gate’s international growth and further expands Tag’s creative production offering across key markets.
Toby Codrington, global brand president at Tag, said clients increasingly wanted access to global production capabilities while retaining local expertise.
“Today’s clients want access to the very best production capabilities they can afford, without having to choose between global scale and local expertise. Gate delivers both,” Codrington said.
He added that Gate’s connection to Tag’s global innovation team would also give clients access to emerging creative technologies, AI-enabled production solutions and other capabilities changing how advertising and content is produced.
Kenneally said JAPAC’s diversity and creative strength made it an important market for Gate’s next phase of growth.
“The best work comes from bringing together the right people, ideas and expertise to solve a challenge creatively,” he said.
“JAPAC is one of the most dynamic and diverse creative regions in the world, and I’m looking forward to building relationships, supporting clients and establishing Gate as a trusted production partner across the market.”
