Stink Films Promotes Andrew Levene to Managing Director

The independent global production network Stink Films, announced today its promotion of Andrew Levene from head of production to UK Films managing director. 

A long-standing member of the Stink family, Andrew has run production in London for the last six years overseeing big productions for iconic brands such as Lexus, Nike, Adidas, Barclays, Aldi, Argos, Volkswagen, Save the Children, Oxfam and Libresse; working with directing talent such as Tom Green, Traktor, Keith McCarthy, Ne-O, Anthony Mandler, and Jones + Tino and winning awards at Cannes Lions, D&AD, Creative Arrows, Shots awards and Campaign BIG awards. 

2019 was one of the most successful years that the London office experienced, contradicting industry perceptions that the last 12 months had been tough for production houses. Starting with the launch of the epic Guinness ‘The Purse’ directed by Tom Green, last year saw Stink Films London working back-to-back productions, culminating in six of the UK’s top Christmas campaigns for leading UK retailers Asda, Aldi, Tesco, KFC, Sky and ‘One of the best holidays ads in years’ (Adweek, Nov. 2019) for Argos. 

Additionally, talent grew, with the signing of Kiku Ohe and FoodFilm last year and the further growth of Stink Rising, Stink Films global roster of up-and-coming talent. 

Andrew’s role is to optimise Stink Films London operations, driving revenue and profit growth, whilst supporting and ensuring the creative and production quality of the company’s work. With focus on leading key initiatives to support Blake Powell, managing partner, and Sophie Kluman, global head of operations, Andrew will offer support and direction to the London office, ensuring its purpose and objectives are achieved. 

Andrew Levene, managing director, Stink Films UK said: “I first came to Stink as a freelance producer; it was always one of the companies I was most keen to work with. After two years as an in-house producer and almost six years as head of production, the idea of being even more involved in the growth and development of a company I’ve grown to love was a no brainer. Being made MD of Films in London is a huge honour and an opportunity to help steer the future of Stink, as well as giving me the chance to help develop the amazing roster of talent – both directors and in-house staff – that we’re so lucky to have. I can’t think of a more exciting place to be as we start the new decade.” 

Starting as a runner at 2AM Films, Andrew spent the next five years with the company working up the ladder, leaving the company as a production manager. Working freelance for companies like Spank, Bare, Rogue, Independent, QI, and 2AM over the next three years, The Sweet Shop came calling in 2009, offering Andrew a role as a producer. There he worked with agencies such as McCann Erickson, Ogilvy and VCCP. In 2011, as a freelance producer he came to Stink Films, and over the last eight years with the company has moved through the ranks, from producer, to head of production and now managing director. 

Blake Powell, managing partner said: “Andrew is widely regarded as one of the smartest and most creative heads of production in London. His passion is in nurturing talent and the craft of film-making. We are fortunate that Andrew has devoted his endless energy and talent to Stink Films over the last eight years. He’s brilliant at what he does and is a fantastic friend to all of us here at Stink and we are now proud to have him as an MD within our network, we know he will keep building on the success of Stink Films London.” 

Andrew’s appointment is immediate. Based out of Stink Films London, he will report directly into global head of operations Sophie Kluman, and managing partner Blake Powell.