Heckler launches new Singapore studio headed up by newly appointed MD Richard Mayo-Smith

Australian design, animation and visual effects house Heckler has made its first international expansion, opening a studio in Singapore to service existing and prospective clients in south-east Asia, with experienced executive producer Richard Mayo-Smith (pictured) appointed to lead the operation.

Heckler’s decision to launch in Singapore follows long-term client relationships with brands in the region including Tiger Beer, Nike, SK-II and the growing opportunity to work with other brands and agencies wanting to capitalise on Heckler’s awarding winning design and post-production expertise.

Says Will Alexander, co-founder and executive producer, Heckler: “Singapore is an increasingly important design, animation and VFX hub and having worked with a number of clients there for sometime it’s right for us to have a permanent presence on the ground. We’re delighted that Richard, with his huge wealth of experience, will be working alongside our clients and agency and production partners, as well as continuing to grow our business in Singapore and the wider south-east Asia region.”

Mayo-Smith has been appointed as managing director and executive producer of Heckler’s Singapore studio in addition to being made a company director.

With more than 18 years experience in advertising, production, AR/VR, digital, design, and experiential production, he has worked with some of the world’s leading agencies and brands. For two years he was executive producer at Google Zoo in Singapore, Google’s creative think tank of technologists and artists who work with brands and agencies and was also a senior producer at Bartle Bogle Hegarty for five years, also in Singapore. He has held senior producer roles at two of the most awarded agencies in New Zealand, Saatchi & Saatchi and Colenso BBDO and worked with clients including Singapore Airlines, Standard Chartered Bank, IKEA, Unilever, Nike and Coca-Cola.

Says Mayo-Smith: “Having been based in Singapore for the last nine years, I’ve seen it grow and develop as a regional and global production hub. There is a lot of exciting work being done here, with many great agencies and clients and as one of the region’s leading design, animation and visual effects houses, it makes sense for Heckler to have a studio in Singapore for our existing and prospective clients. Our goal is to continue to push the boundaries of creativity and craft; identify and develop promising local talent; and deliver the world class service that Heckler is known for.”

Heckler’s recently appointed ECD, Luca Ionescu, will work closely with Mayo-Smith and Heckler’s clients in Singapore.