International production company 1stAveMachine has announced the launch of 1stAveMusicVideo - it's new music video division, that will be headed up by Liz Kessler in the UK and Randi Wilens in the US.

Both will be responsible for business and creative development and building 1stAveMusic interests with record labels and commissioners, offering a diverse roster of filmmakers, photographers, animators and creators in emerging tech.

The pair also bring a combined experience of over fifty years in the music video industry.

Liz Kessler has worked at Warner and Island Records, commissioning music videos for the likes of Pulp, U2, Busted, PJ Harvey, Sugababes, Nick Drake, Keane, The Feeling and even Bob Marley. Then she headed up the Music Video division at Academy Films in London, producing for artists including Foals, Beyonce, the WHO, and James Blake, and many others.

Uniquely, Kessler has also won both Best Producer and Best Commissioner awards at the UK Music Video Awards, and has also received awards from D&AD, MTV, Q Magazine, NME and a Grammy nomination. She says: “I’m very excited to be working with the top class team at 1stAve. With their international range of talent and collaborative and creative approach, they’re a perfect fit for Music Video.”

Meanwhile, with over 20 years of experience, Randi Wilens manages directors and animators and is an executive producer for cutting edge films and multimedia projects. She earned a Grammy nomination for Morphine's Early To Bed promo, directed by Jamie Caliri, and Audioslave's Like A Stone has racked up over a billion views.

“I’m excited to be working with a revered global production company such as 1stAve," she says. "Their diverse roster of directors should lend themselves brilliantly to music videos.”

Both Kessler and Wilens have dedicated their time to education in the arts. Liz has previously taught at NFTS (National Film and Television School) and UAL (University of the Arts, London) as a guest lecturer. Wilens is a current USC Film School graduate who has lectured in their film production department for 12 consecutive years, as well as in the music industry department at Loyola Marymount University. 

Kerry Smart, 1stAve London MD & EP says: “We’re thrilled to work with this powerhouse duo to give our directors that opportunity to really flex their creative muscle.  I’m curious to see what emerges from the minds of our incredible roster. And eager to use this new venture as a platform to attract and nurture new talent.”

Sam Penfield, EP and Partner at 1stAveMachine, says: “Our directors have some exciting ideas that involve the application of AI and emerging technologies in the music video space. We are excited to bring these ideas to life.”

• Watch music video work at 1stAveMachine here