DALLAS --
Republic has elevated Brian Hwang to an equity partner in its production division, Republic Productions. Hwang will continue in his role as executive producer, and utilize his new position as partner to streamline decision-making as he leads the growth of the studio’s directorial roster, technical offerings and client base.
“Four years ago, we brought Brian on with the precise directive of building a production department from the ground up. That is exactly what he has done and we couldn’t be more impressed by his success in such a short period of time,” said Chris Gipson, founding partner of Republic Productions (launched in 2019), and its parent company, Republic (established in 2013), alongside founding partners Carrie Callaway and Keith James.”
A seasoned veteran, Hwang brings over two decades of production, postproduction and agency experience to his new ownership role, having spent 10 of those years at McCann New York. After moving to Texas in 2016 and growing roots in the Dallas ad community, Hwang was added to the team in early 2019, to help Republic launch its production arm, initially under the name Threaded Pictures. The division was later rebranded under the Republic banner in January of last year as Republic Productions.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the production shop that the Republic partners and I have developed in just four short years,” said Hwang. “I credit their support and leadership for allowing me to execute our shared vision of a diverse and talented roster of directors capable of working on projects of all shapes and sizes, both in the U.S. and internationally.”
Republic Productions’ roster consists of directors Josh Blaylock, TG Herrington, April Kirby, Amos David McKay, Chad Ostrom, Ben Tedesco and Taylor Washington. Of his new elevated role, Hwang added, “I’m driven now more than ever to work on our next phase to take Republic Productions to another level.”
Hwang also serves as president of AICP Southwest and as the Southwest regional director for the AICP National Board, titles which he has held since late 2018 and which keeps him current with industry issues and challenges. During the pandemic lockdown and subsequent easing of restrictions, Hwang’s coordination with state and local governments helped the area’s commercial production move forward and rebound quickly. Recently, he chaired the first in-person AICP Awards National Tour Dallas Show in three years, held at the Perot Museum last November, and continues to use his leadership position to strengthen the production industry in the Southwest region.
Tags:AICP SouthwestBrian HwangChris GipsonRepublic Productions
Monday, August 5, 2024
Station Film has added director Sara Shelton to its roster for commercials. Known for performance-driven comedy, Shelton has a body of work which includes campaigns for Xfinity, Hormel, Manhattan Mini Storage, Sugar Mutts Rescue, Sprint and Country Time Lemonade--the last a winner of six Cannes Lions. She also recently directed the cold open to Luenell: Town Business on Netflix, executive produced by Dave Chappelle, and the original narrative short Teddy Bear (2022), a dramedy with a twist, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
“Sara’s work caught my attention for its strong storytelling and true-to-life comedy,” said Caroline Gibney, founding partner, Station Film. “Her writing background adds another layer to her strength as a storyteller. I think we need comedy in advertising more than ever these days, and Sara has a unique voice.”
Michelle Towse, partner/executive producer, Station Film, added, “Sara’s work hits all the right notes, it’s funny and grounded with great casting, performance and comedic timing. She came to meet with us for a coffee and we hit it off. She ended up staying for the afternoon. We are so excited to team up with her!”
Comedy has always been king for Shelton. “I don’t think I had a choice in the matter,” she said. “I’m addicted to laughing. I gravitate toward things that have an element of humor.”
After attending Miami Ad School, Shelton got her start in the business in New York on the agency side. She worked on staff for two years at Johannes Leonardo where she was the agency’s first writer when they opened their doors in 2007. After a two-year stint in Costa Rica surfing and freelancing, she returned to New York and spent three years as a writer at Droga5. Her... Read More
