1stAveMachine Signs On Multifaceted Madrid Creatives Espadaysantacruz Studio

With a diverse background in fields ranging from computer science to photography and visual arts, Espadaysantacruz Studio – led by Co-Founders/CEOs/Creative Directors Miguel Espada, Juan Santa-Cruz and Nerea Goikoetxea – has forged an atypical yet fruitful path to the commercial/creative industry. “We think one of the most important things is that none of us have an advertising background,” the Studio says. “We are a band of professionals with different backgrounds in the fields of creative programming, visual arts, product design, filmmaking and cultural management. This combination of unusual influences give projects a deeper insight.”

Weaving visual, craft and technology into its often otherworldly, yet inviting storytelling efforts, Espadaysantacruz Studio’s work has canvassed the creative spectrum, from its important, impactful, high-profile “Blind Cap” mobile collaboration with Cheil Spain for Samsung that garnered a Cannes Gold Lion in 2016, to smaller, more personal yet just as meaningful projects for Make A Wish and the interactive Light Kinetics installations – all of which they consider career highlights.

Now as part of the 1stAveMachine roster, Espadaysantacruz Studio has found a kindred spirit in which it can harness its technocentric approach while capitalising on a vast global network of partners. “We share the love to do things for real and to combine engineering and technology to create a new advertising language,” adds the Studio, which has also worked with top-tier brands such as Nintendo, PlayStation and Corona along with agencies like Ogilvy, TBWA, JWT and Leo Burnett. “1stAveMachine is not just an inspiring production company but also has the courage to grow brand communication in a totally smart way. Nowadays, communication with innovation and technology is global. This is the main reason we want to work with an international production company like 1stAve that has clients and partners all over the world.”

Espadaysantacruz Studio’s unique backstory combined with its ability to innovate across mediums from visual and experimental to interactive and web/mobile are two key elements that resonated with 1stAveMachine. EP/Partner Sam Penfield adds, “Sexy and substantial is how I would describe the work of Espadaysantacruz. They are attracted to meaningful projects and understand that a beautiful film will garner the attention the message deserves. I love the depth of their work. Imagine — they develop the technology and the product surrounding it, code the interactivity, and then make a bad-ass film to showcase the project. Brilliant. It is a distinct privilege to represent Nerea, Juan and Miguel and all of us at 1stAve are very excited to take this group of artists/makers into our family and out to the global marketplace.”