Joyrider

Founded in November 2004 by Executive Producer Spencer Friend, Joyrider has made a name for itself tackling challenging spot and music video projects that combine live action, animation, and visual effects. Friend – whose production and management career spans more than 15 years – possesses a wealth of experience in these diverse disciplines. Prior to opening the company, he was a live action specialist producer as well as a senior animation producer in commercials and a VFX Producer/Supervisor in features and drama. Creative and technological innovation have been central to his pursuits, an ethic he brought to the formation of Joyrider Films.

The Joyrider Films roster is comprised of directors Reuben Sutherland, AixSponza, David Tomaszewski, Andras Ketzer, Adam Bizanski, Wade Shotter, and Mike Mort. Each of these directors brings a personal stamp to his work, complemented by a hands-on expertise in live action, 3D, VFX, stop frame, miniature set creation, design, and more.

The company recently produced spot and music video projects for Orange, PS3, BMW, T-Mobile, ING, Chevrolet, Eurostar, Flora, Keane, Wolf Parade, Doves, and Phoenix Foundation. Joyrider’s forray into new media includes interactive projects for VW via DDB London, and viewer research software development.

"We’re committed to cultivating a distinctive, funky and an influential community of directors spanning the technique and style spectrum," says Friend, whose company – not surprisingly – does nearly all of its live action and animation in house. "The stylistic landscape is constantly in flux…we are always endeavoring to pioneer new visual techniques crossing all kinds of boundaries. We have a unique skill set in tackling VFX and live action challenges and that allows us to provide a platform for innovation with our directors."

September 2008