ArtClass Content opens shop in the UK
Led by EP Sam Holmes, the next-gen production studio expands its reach across the pond.
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After many years of creating bold, imaginative work in the United States, ArtClass Content opened an official outpost in the UK.
Led by Executive Producer Sam Holmes, ArtClass UK ushers in a new era for the production studio and brings its highly respected and award-winning artistic spirit to a new market.
Known for delivering branded content and projects of every size and scale, from traditional commercials to digital activations and long-form feature films, ArtClass’s UK office will continue this legacy while deliberately investing in directorial talent by perpetuating the ecosystem of mentorship within the film industry. Committed to centering artistry, risk-taking, and developing a support system for its talent, ArtClass UK fosters an environment of respect with the mission to build artistic longevity in the British production landscape while creating work that adds to culture, rather than endlessly mining it.
“This is a return to what made the UK Production sector the best in the world,” remarks Holmes. “If you do things like everyone else, there are a lot of people to choose from. Thankfully, we don’t have that issue at ArtClass. I’ve known Kirsten Arongino for some time now, and when she first started talking about opening a London office, I won’t lie, I did hope she would ask me. It turns out, upon meeting Vince Peone and Geno Imbriale, we all had so much in common that it became a matter of when, not if.”
Based in London, Holmes began his career in the post-room at Publicis before working at shops like The Corner and VCCP Content, traversing roles from producer to creative. He ultimately found his passion as an Executive Producer, holding key positions at 42Branded and RadicalMedia. Over his career, he has partnered with global brands including Adidas, Netflix, Honda, and Samsung, as well as UK institutions such as The English National Ballet, Just Eat, Depaul UK, Tesco F&F, and the NHS. Holmes has contributed to award-winning campaigns recognized by British Arrows, Kinsale Sharks, D&AD Pencils, Cannes Lions, Clios, Eurobest, Creative Circle Awards, One Show, and even two BAFTA nominations.
As EP of ArtClass UK, Holmes aims to grow and develop new talent outside the trappings of a traditional setup while cultivating a distinct creative culture for the studio’s London office.
Arongino, adds, “We’re at a very interesting time in the industry—there’s a lot of upheaval, but both Sam and I have seen this before, and we have no doubt that we’ll see it again. We met as agency producers who were drawn to live production. We both operate on gut instinct and are passionate about finding new talent and nurturing their careers. I can’t think of a better person to have at the helm for ArtClass UK.
In addition to ArtClass Content’s exemplary US roster, they recently signed the following directors for UK representation: Anders Bundgaard, Anthony Rubinstein, Exell Brothers, Jordan Rossi, Marco Santi, Raphael Vangelis, Vinod Ravi, Chloe Victoria Hughes and YUANN.
