Celebrating 20 Years in New York
As our New York studio celebrates 20 years of creative excellence, we reflect on two decades of groundbreaking work that has reframed the possible.
Since opening in 2004, our New York studio has led some of the company’s most iconic campaigns across advertising and immersive experiences. From the beloved Geico Gecko to groundbreaking immersive projects such as Lockheed Martin’s award-winning and innovative "Field Trip to Mars." Framestore’s live-action production offering was bolstered when the Pictures team was established in 2014, representing a curated roster of directors who are supported by our powerhouse of talent. In 2019, we expanded our offerings on the East Coast to include episodic content, delivering standout work for major titles like Marvel's WandaVision, Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more.
From launching iconic campaigns to earning industry awards and accolades, Framestore has consistently pushed the boundaries of visual effects, creativity and storytelling. Our legacy is built on innovation; our clients and creative collaborators and our talented range of teams that serve as a testament to our dedication to the craft across our pillars – including Advertising, Episodic, Immersive and Design.
LBB | Celebrating 20 Years of Framestore in New York with Charles Howell
President, Global Advertising & Content Charles Howell reflects on the studio in 2024, his own 25-year journey with the VFX company and why human artistry and collaboration are still vital
“I think it’s important to celebrate being in a city for 20 years - there’s something to be said for that. We've grown the team and we have so many great people here in New York, and a lot of them have been here since day one,” shares Charles
BIG APPLE, BIG AWARDS
Framestore has long been synonymous with success and innovation, and since opening its New York office in 2004, the mission to deliver award-winning work has only intensified.
In 2016, Framestore made waves with the groundbreaking Lockheed Martin ‘Mars Bus’ campaign, earning widespread acclaim and securing numerous Production/VFX Company accolades across the industry—along with an impressive 19 Cannes Lions.
Fast forward to today, and the legacy continues: our VFX for Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender has earned a prestigious nomination for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or Movie at the 76th Emmys. The streak of creative excellence is far from over!
Framing 20 Years
To mark two decades of Framestore in New York, we're highlighting some of the talent behind the studio's success. We spoke with members of our New York team across disciplines to reflect on the studio's legacy, their favorite projects, and what makes the Big Apple such a special place to create.
Antara Ghosh, Junior Designer
How has Framestore's design team supported your growth and helped you explore new creative possibilities as an artist?
I started my design career as an intern with Framestore, and moving up to Junior Designer has been amazing. Framestore really balances skill and creativity, and our small but mighty New York team is always there to help with any questions—even the little ones. I’ve gained so much confidence, and I keep growing every day.
Pete Jones - Executive Producer, Immersive
In your opinion, what project or milestone represents the Framestore New York office’s legacy and why?
From a VR perspective, probably the Mars Bus and the Game of Thrones VR projects. Both pieces of work were so far ahead of the field at the time, and both such exciting IPs that people still bring up to me often!
Anh Vu, Framestore Pictures Director
Is there a project you've directed that stands out as meaningful to you?
I would have to say my favorite project to direct was Buchanan’s ‘Choose Great’ spot. Throughout the creative process, there was so much trust and love on this project from Chris Hemsworth, our clients and agency. I ended up learning so much from that experience and it really helped shape my career.
Steve Drew, VFX Supervisor
What sets Framestore apart and makes us a trusted creative partner for episodic content?
Almost anyone can execute a brief. At Framestore we like to brainstorm – offering suggestions, alternatives, enhancements and ideas for clients to chew on with us to try to make the best show possible. They can see the creative investment we’re making. That shows them that we care, and reassures them they’re in the best hands. Also, if they can see we ENJOY what we do and, importantly, do it with a vision aligned with the showrunner’s, then it becomes a true collaboration.
Will Frazier, Associate Creative Director
What has been your favorite project or client collaboration in your tenure at Framestore?
This goes without saying, but working on the GEICO Gecko in collaboration with The Martin Agency and GEICO has felt like a family for a long time. I couldn’t ask for better “clients” to have creatively collaborated with for all of these years.
Tara Maloney - Head of Studio, NY
In your opinion, what project or milestone represents the Framestore New York office’s legacy and why?
Along with celebrating 20 years in NY, Framestore proudly marks two decades of partnering with GEICO and The Martin Agency on the world’s favorite green lizard, the Gecko. For the Super Bowl season this year we had the joy of creating a 15-minute mockumentary called 'Legend of the Lizard', detailing the Gecko’s journey and how he became the icon he is today.
RECENT NY WORK
Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1
And Just Like That... Carrie's Closet
NY IN THE NEWS
76th Emmy Nominations
Super Bowl 2024
