Rhythm + Hues Commercial Hires New Production Head

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgRhythm + Hues Commercial Studios has gained two new additions to its staff including director Mark Dippé and Lisa White, who is the new head of production, commercial digital.

Dippé joined George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic in 1988 and was a major part of the digital filmmaking group there. His work in photorealistic computer generated characters includes THE ABYSS, the liquid metal T-1000 in TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY. He also had a principal role in creating the first “living” digital creatures in JURASSIC PARK.

“I have been a fan of Mark's for years and I am delighted to have him join our team at Rhythm + Hues,” said exec producer Paul Babb. “He has the extraordinary capacity to create incredible visual effects while at the same time being able to direct talent with amazing sensitivity.”

Dippé also created computer animation for such major motion pictures as BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II, THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, GHOST, THE FLINTSTONES and others. He left ILM to direct the feature film SPAWN, the story of a dark anti-hero based on the comic of the same name. He also directed the Grammy-nominated music video DIS IS DA DRUM for Herbie Hancock.

Dippé then became a partner in the commercial production company Complete Pandemonium, where he honed his directing skills on numerous commercials for a variety of clients, combining visual effects and animation with actors and live-action filmmaking. He directed ambitious spots for Kawasaki, Honda, Creative Labs, Disney, NTT, Open Site, Briggs & Stratton and the United States Postal Service. Mark left Complete Pandemonium and was represented by Mad Films/Toronto before the move to R+H.

Most recently, Dippé directed the Disney Channel movies PIXEL PERFECT, a teenage fantasy-comedy about a computer generated pop star, and HALLOWEENTOWN HIGH about a young witch coming to terms with her life. He also directed the genre monster movie FRANKENFISH about a genetically manipulated monster fish that was shot in the swamps of Alabama. Dippé is currently completing production on a CGI animated film.

Producing for the studio since 1998, White has worked closely with its core group of in-house directors and visual effects supervisors on numerous integrated [live-action/animation/post] campaigns including GEICO’s Gecko and Cheetos, as well as the fully computer-generated Coca-Cola Polar Bears.

“I'm very excited about this new opportunity,” said White. “I look forward to utilizing my years of producing experience towards helping the commercial division grow both creatively and structurally.”

The studio will draw upon White’s extensive expertise in all facets of production including budgeting, staffing, technological resource management, job delivery and client services.

“Having Lisa as our new head of production for commercial digital will allow us to further support our directors and to be more aggressive in our bidding,” states Executive Producer Paul Babb. “Her hands-on knowledge and enthusiasm are a true gift and I look forward to working with Lisa as we continue to enhance R+H Commercial Studios.”

A complete digital studio, with live-action, CGI animation and vfx, design and post-production services, Rhythm + Hues Commercial Studios draws upon the talent and technical firepower of one of the world’s premiere effects and animation facilities, Rhythm & Hues Studios. Adjacent to the 70,000 sq. ft. facility which houses hundreds of digital artists and staff, the 7,000 sq foot boutique facility of Rhythm + Hues Commercial Studios is dedicated to the highest quality of commercial production while committed to providing outstanding client support.