#USA #Chicago #The Mill #Thinkingbox #The Heist

The Heist Expands Its Creative Horizons

In a significant strategic move, The Heist, a renowned name in brand storytelling through animation and live-action, has announced a major expansion by onboarding top talent from The Mill. This move is not just about hiring; it's a commitment to enhancing the studio's creative capabilities and fostering growth across North America.

New Leadership Takes Charge

Leading this ambitious expansion is Patrick Coleman, who has been appointed as the Executive Creative Director at The Heist. Coleman is recognized for his award-winning portfolio and comes with a team of longtime collaborators from The Mill. His presence signifies a notable shift in the design and animation community, highlighting The Heist's intent to up its game. Patrick Coleman expressed his excitement about joining the team, revealing that he felt an immediate connection with The Heist's culture and ethos. He emphasized the potential to elevate the studio further with the influx of creative energy from his team.

As part of this transition, two other prominent figures from The Mill have joined the ranks: Blake Nickle, now serving as the Director of Production in the Chicago office, and Jason Esser, who will take on the role of Creative Director at Thinkingbox. Their combined expertise further solidifies The Heist's capability to deliver stunning and innovative content that resonates across various platforms, including experiential marketing, design, and animation.

Expansion into Chicago

The establishment of a new office in Chicago marks a strategic point in The Heist's expansion. This new location is set to enhance collaboration among creative talents and broaden the reach of their innovative storytelling capabilities. With a physical presence in this vibrant city, The Heist is poised to leverage local resources and talent, allowing for richer, more diversity-driven storytelling.

Enhancing Client Relationships

Alongside the creative talent from The Mill, Justin Inman has been brought on board as SVP of Business Development. With a robust background from Google and leadership roles in client growth at The Mill, Inman is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening client relationships and developing integrated creative offerings, creating a more extensive network of partnerships.

A Bold Step for Future Storytelling

Amir Sahba, the CEO of Thinkingbox, commented on this significant expansion. He noted, "In an era of transformation, talent remains the driving force behind innovation. Bringing in Patrick and his team represents more than just growth; it is an investment in storytelling's future." This sentiment reflects the company's dedication to not only expanding its operational capabilities but also fostering a culture of artistry, innovation, and collaboration.

A New Direction for Talent

The recent bankruptcy of Technicolor has stirred the industry, but Sahba’s remarks resonate with hope and ambition. The Heist, in partnership with Thinkingbox, aims to offer former Mill talent an environment where their craft can thrive. This strategic hire and location expansion signal a new era for The Heist, as they seek to redefine boundaries in creative storytelling.

As Thinkingbox continues discussions with former Mill talent across North America and Europe, the industry is eager to witness the innovative outcomes of this ambitious endeavor. With the blend of legacy talent and fresh faces in leadership roles, The Heist is ready to craft compelling narratives that engage and inspire audiences worldwide.

For further information on The Heist and their latest initiatives, you can visit The Heist's website and Thinkingbox's website.