Method, Riot Bunking Together at Ascent

Beginning January 1, 2009, two of Ascent Media Group's boutique visual effects studios, Riot and Method, will unite operations under the Method name, to offer clients unmatched services for the delivery of high-end visual effects for commercials, music videos and feature films.

"By uniting our boutique visual effects studios we are better positioned to provide our clients with the best talent and creative services in the market," said Jose Royo, CEO of Ascent Media Group. "This move will allow us to better offer our clients the most innovative, industry leading solutions in a rapidly changing advertising and media space."

Method recently opened its office in New York and will unveil a new, state-of-the-art New York facility in the spring. Industry veteran Aron Hjartarson, previously Head of 3D at The Mill NY, will assume the role of creative director, and Matt Hackett will act as animation supervisor in New York. In addition, Gabby Gourrier, who spent nine years at Digital Domain and helped to open The Mill LA, has come onboard as Senior Executive Producer/VP. Gabby will be working closely with Helen Hughes, who joins as executive producer and director of production. Hughes has produced numerous award-winning commercials including Nike's THE NEXT LEVEL with Guy Ritchie.

Method's operations in Los Angeles will be located at what was formerly Riot's Santa Monica facility. Andy Boyd will serve as the new Head of 3D at Method Studios in Los Angeles. Boyd was the former Head of 3D at Framestore and a recipient of the 2006 Cannes Lion Awards for the Guinness NOITULOVE commercial.

Alex Frisch, co-founder and managing director of Method, will continue overseeing Los Angeles and New York operations. Since Method's opening in 1998, Frisch has provided creative leadership and produced high-end visual effects. The integrated operations in both Los Angeles and New York will bolster Method's unique, collaborative partnership with Company 3, which provides clients around the world with a full spectrum of state-of-the-art post production services.

Per THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, Company 3 and Method will continue their strategic relationship with Tokyo-based post house Digital Garden, which gives Ascent a home base in Japan. Next year, the New York offices of both companies will move to a shared facility in Manhattan.