April 9, 2007 - Los Angeles: Rhythm + Hues Commercial Studios is pleased to announce the addition of award-winning Animation Director Mark Baldo to its roster. Baldo brings his own brilliant palette of animation and story-telling skills to the Rhythm + Hues team.

Most recently at DreamWorks Animation, Baldo worked as a Director on NBC's Father of the Pride animated television series and served as Sequence Consultant on the "Whale Wash" sequence of Shark Tale. As a Director in Creative Affairs, Mark developed Shrek the Halls (an animated television special in production for Holiday 2007 release) and Puss in Boots: The Movie, DreamWorks' first direct to DVD title.

Prior to DreamWorks, Baldo was at Blue Sky Studios where, in addition to directing commercials, he was a Sequence Director on Twentieth Century Fox's Oscar-nominated Ice Age. Mark's opening sequence for the film, starring the acorn-loving Sqrat, not only became the film's trailer, but also became the running gag of the franchise. Next, he directed an in-house "proof of concept" short for Blue Sky's second feature entitled Robots and during his tenure at Blue Sky, Baldo also provided animation direction for the digital creatures in Star Trek: Insurrection and for "Pussy the talking fish" on the HBO series The Sopranos.

Baldo's commercial clients include Rayovac, Pepsi, Glade, Rice Krispies Treats, M&M/Mars, Sylvania, Capri Sun and Nickelodeon. His background includes stints at Hornet Inc., Curious Pictures and Broadcast Arts, as well as a degree in Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design.

"After my years at DreamWorks developing long-form stories, I look forward to telling eye-catching short stories, populated with fun characters, that make you laugh out-loud," says Baldo. "I have always admired the work coming out of Rhythm + Hues and know the animation will be top-notch. I feel fortunate to be working with and included amongst, this group of well-respected industry professionals."

"I am thrilled to have Mark Baldo join our team at Rhythm + Hues," says Executive Producer Paul Babb. "Mark came to my attention a number of years ago when he was with Blue Sky in New York and I have been a fan ever since. He brings to Rhythm a dynamic approach to his animation and design."

ABOUT RHYTHM + HUES COMMERCIAL STUDIOS

Celebrating its twentieth anniversary in April 2007, R+H is a complete digital studio, with live action and animation directors, vfx, design and post-production services. We draw upon the talent and technical firepower of one of the world's premier effects and animation facilities, Rhythm & Hues Studios, and are dedicated to the highest quality of commercial production and outstanding client support.

Recent commercial projects include Coca-Cola, Listerine, Budweiser, Quaker State, Nasonex, Snuggle, Activision, Microsoft X-Box, Crayola, Miller Beer, Ubisoft, Toyota and Zicam. Recent Film Division credits include three of the ten top-grossing films of 2006: Night at the Museum, Superman Returns and Happy Feet, in addition to Charlotte's Web and The Fast and The Furious 3: Tokyo Drift. Films currently in production include Evan Almighty, The Golden Compass, Kingdom, The Incredible Hulk and Alvin & The Chipmunks.

Contact:

Elise Berk
Marketing/P.R.
(310) 448-7991
elise@rhythm.com