Patrick Coleman joins as executive creative director, bringing team of long-time collaborators; Blake Nickle joins as Director of Production, Chicago, with Jason Esser coming on board as Thinkingbox creative director.
The Heist, a Thinkingbox company, has announced the addition of key creative and production hires from The Mill, as well as the opening of a new Chicago office.
Leading the expansion is Patrick Coleman, who joins The Heist as executive creative director. Coleman brings an award-winning portfolio and a team of long-time collaborators from The Mill. He will oversee creative operations across North America, with a primary base in Chicago.
“I'm beyond excited to join the Heist family,” said Coleman. “It's an incredible opportunity to bring along so many talented friends to strengthen an already thriving studio and help elevate it even further. The creativity, warmth, and 'can-do' attitude truly resonate with me — I'm thrilled to see what we do together!”
Also joining from The Mill are Blake Nickle, now Director of Production, Chicago, and Jason Esser, now creative director at Thinkingbox. Justin Inman also joins Thinkingbox as SVP of Business Development, bringing his team as well. With nearly a decade at Google and recent leadership in direct-to-client growth at The Mill, Inman will focus on expanding client partnerships and integrated creative offerings.
“In an era of transformation, talent remains the driving force behind innovation,” said Amir Sahba, CEO of Thinkingbox. “Bringing in Patrick and his team of designers and animators represents more than just growth. It's a bold investment in the future of storytelling. Their combined experience and creative leadership raise the bar for what's possible across our studios and our clients.”
The leadership transition follows Technicolor’s recent bankruptcy, leaving The Mill employees searching for new employment. Some of the company’s creative leadership and staff recently joined forces with Dream Machine FX for a new venture, Arc Creative.
“The recent news of Technicolor's bankruptcy was a shock to many in the industry,” continued Sahba. “We have deep respect for The Mill's legacy and the incredible talent that has shaped it. Our goal is to provide a new home at both Heist and Thinkingbox — ensuring their craft continues to thrive in an environment that values artistry, innovation, and collaboration.”
Thinkingbox is currently in active discussions with additional former Mill talent across North America and Europe and expects to share more updates soon.
Source: Thinkingbox
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
