Taking its name from the possibilities of cartesian space, XYZ is a studio specializing in the art of commercial animation. Defined by its directors, each holds raw talent in multiple disciplines: all are hands on, all are technical, all are designers but of most importance, all are
exquisite storytellers.

At XYZ, story always takes the lead. It motivates everything: technique, tone and tempo. We find animation formed this way is original and entrancing and able to change minds. Which is how we love to work - as artist's inventing new worlds for the worlds coolest brands.

"With a host of talented directors and its 'always original' ethos, XYZ Studios is a creative giant. The company focuses on creating worlds and telling stories, no matter the tools it uses. And it does this like no other. Borders, conventions and perceptions mean little to this talented bunch, who continue to throw caution to the wind and invent fascinating worlds for their characters to live in."

Larissa Meikle, Editor, Australian Creative 2011

Based out of Sweden and with Aussie creative Derek Picken at the helm, XYZ represents the work of againstallodds in Australasia. againstallodds are considered amongst the best character based animators in the world with their work on the much-publicised Coke Zero campaign awarded three Silver Lions at Cannes.

With XYZ since 2008, againstallodds have recently directed national integrated campaigns for GIO via Leo Burnett Sydney, Wendy’s via Clemenger BBDO Adelaide and the Victorian Government for Grey Melbourne. Their work for GIO was awarded Gold at the prestigious Roy Awards and Silver at AWARD Sydney.

We are extremely chuffed to launch the talents of Celeste Potter in the moving image. A gifted illustrator, she has worked with the studio on some of our most loved campaigns for the likes of BBDO New York and Leo Burnett Sydney.

As well as illustrating a swag of album art for musicians, Celeste has directed music videos for Sarah Blasko and An Horse and recently completed her first commercial work for Foster’s via DDB Melbourne. Celeste also fronts punk band Ouch My Face.

XYZ’s core is storytelling followed closely by original character design. So you can imagine how deeply pleased we are to have the very talented Mat Landour (formerly FX&Mat) join the roster in 2012. His commercial work includes standout spots for Coca Cola Superbowl, Royal Bank of Canada, TNT and The International Olympic Committee, working with gun agencies such as W+K Portland, Y&R NY, Sapient and Cole&Webber.

Mat studied at Supinfocom France where he directed his first animated short film ‘En Tus Brazos’. This tango love story won awards the world over including an ‘Excellence Award’ at Siggraph 2007 and was screened during the World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires. Mat, a recipient of awards from Clio, Young Guns and Shoot, likes to play with all media, often mixing them to create breathtakingly poetic environments.

“Transfixing” is how the shortoftheweek.com editor described Eran Hilleli’s film ‘Between Bears’ when he listed it in his top 10 of 2011. Not alone in accolades, ‘Between Bears’ was one of the most noted pieces of contemporary animation in 2010 – perhaps best recognised by taking out ‘Best Animation’ at the inaugural Vimeo Awards in New York. We are duly proud to announce that Eran has joined XYZ in 2011 for worldwide commercial representation.

A graduate from Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Hilleli’s directing style is evocative yet defined by simplicity. He has a great appreciation for pieces that leave space for the audience to fill and feel. As with his other works (‘Three and a Half Seconds About Life’, ‘Knowledge of the Cone’ and ‘Inside/Out’), Hilleli employs minimalism with an incredibly strong design aesthetic driven by haunting story telling. Already noted across the blogosphere on Motionographer, Shots and Stash Eran is the definition of a director to watch. Stay tuned.

Taking out ‘Motion Designer of the Year’ at the 2009 10th Annual First Boards Awards in New York and ‘Young Creative Achiever of the Year’ at the Australian Creative Hotshop Awards in 2010, Stephen has had a notable two years since joining XYZ, quickly establishing himself as a director to watch.

He has consistently delivered standout integrated campaigns including work for Leo Burnett Sydney for WWF, Saatchi&Saatchi Beirut for Zain and Ogilvy Pakistan for Coca Cola. These works have won at Clio, AWARD, Art Directors Club New York and MADC. Stephen’s style is intricate, layered and dynamic. He is at home with animation, live-action or a mix between the two and always keeps his eye on telling a fantastical story.

XYZ was founded in 2003 by Tim Kentley, somewhat foolishly. He had no training in animation nor did he know a single person in advertising. But he did have a passion for story and a belief that original ideas demand an original depiction. This philosophy together with a hands on approach and a lot of late nights led to a prolific body of distinct work with recognition coming by Motionographer as ‘Cream O’ Crop’ and ‘Hotshop of the Year’ at the Australian Creative Awards. Perhaps not so foolish after all.

Tim’s approach while often organic, is not style driven but idea driven: it’s about depicting the idea in a relevant yet startling way. This instinct has seen Tim work with agencies such as BBDO New York, GS&P San Francisco, W+K London, Grey Amsterdam, Leo Burnett Sydney and GPY&R Melbourne directing national and global campaigns for brands such as McDonalds, Comcast, Honda, Visa, Yellow, Unilever, Havaianas and Chrysler.

Personally, Tim has booked over 50 awards including Boards ‘Motion Designer of the Year’, Urban Music Awards ‘Music Video of the Year’, Phoenix Awards ‘Best New Director’ and ‘Commercial of Year (Animation)’, London International ‘Best Direction’ and ‘Best Animation’ and 3 time Create Awards ‘Animation of the Year’. Tim has spoken at events such as Junior and Semi-Permanent with his work exhibited at Pictoplasma Berlin, Formavision New York and Huesca Barcelona. If you have a script that is heading into the unknown, then Tim is the director to take you there.