Los Angeles-based design and animation studio Laundry has opened a new location in San Francisco, and hired executive Michael Bennett as managing director to spearhead operations.

With extensive experience in branded content, specifically when it comes to design, animation and VFX, Bennett’s new role reunited him with the company, where he played an integral role in its growth as executive producer from 2010 to 2015. He joins Laundry from finishing company Ntropic in San Francisco, where he was most recently director of business development and managing executive producer.

“[Laundry Executive Creative Director] Tony [Liu] and I are both from the Bay Area and feel it’s the perfect return to our stomping ground as artists and designers,” PJ Richardson, Laundry executive creative director, who co-founded the studio with Liu in 2006, said of the company’s expansion in a statement. “We’re excited for Michael to be returning to Laundry in this capacity, and helping us nurture partnerships with the agencies and brands anchored in San Francisco and the Silicon Valley.”

Focusing on the ad agency’s direct-to-brand relationships, he will work closely with Los Angeles Managing Director James Sweigert to ensure a seamless integration between both offices, as well as with in-house and out-of-house reps, including agency Reber Covington, which has a strong presence in both cities.

“Reber Covington will be an asset in moving Laundry’s vision and presence forward,” said Bennett in a statement. “Their team is strong and serious about making creative content. They understand the local ad and design community, and how best to convey our unique creative sensibilities.”

Laundry’s new space in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood is designed for client sessions, and houses a growing creative and production staff for projects that range from ideation and conception development, to live action, animation, graphics, editorial and finishing.

“In my opinion, there’s no other studio in the S.F. market quite like Laundry,” Bennett said. “It’s the perfect setting for their unique vibe, animation style, and design-driven storytelling. I look forward to bringing our high level of ideation, forward-thinking design, and execution to clients in this area.”

Tags: laundry


  Save as PDF