Engine Hires Melody Sylvester as First Head of Film

ENGINE has hired Melody Sylvester as its first head of film. In the newly created role, Melody will be tasked with leading all AV production, including running the company’s content studio.

Melody joins from RSA Films – the award-winning film, TV, commercial, music video production company founded by directors Ridley and Tony Scott. She joined in 2010 as executive producer to launch and run the design and animation division and has continued to remain forward thinking and responsive to changes in the industry, spearheading the launch of photography division RSA Photographic.

Her 25-year career in the creative industry has spanned all key areas of broadcast, including film, commercial, video, photography and animation. She has worked with many of the world’s best directors and photographers, top commercial and music video producers, and come into contact with some of the world’s most famous brands – including Smirnoff, BMW, Nike, Reebok, Coca Cola, Stella McCartney and most recently Paul Smith.

Highly respected in the industry, Melody acts as a mentor and advocate for many inclusivity and diversity initiatives. She is associated with Pitch Superwomen, 100 Black Creatives, The Dots, Create Works and It’s Nice That and has held judging and council posts with the British Arrows, D&AD and the APA Animation Council. She will join ENGINE at the start of September.

Melody said: “This a fantastic opportunity to combine my professional skills, extensive experience and passion into one all-encompassing role. ENGINE’s collaborative model makes total sense to me. A unified and holistic approach is the best way to achieve the best creative results; it enriches the experience for everyone and shows in the work. I believe clients now expect it and audiences respond well to it too. ENGINE is actively investing in the future of the industry and that excites me.”

Paul Jordan, executive creative director, ENGINE Creative added: “Melody exudes a contagious, positive energy and is a refreshing mix of traditional experience and innovative practice. She has a strong reputation in the industry. She understands craft, what it means to make it better and what it means to make it beautiful. She’s been part of the creative industry for 25 years, and most recently has been a leader in one of the most respected and innovative film companies in the world. We’re delighted to have her join our team.”

Dave Roberts, chief content officer, ENGINE Creative said: “ENGINE works with some of the world's most exciting and innovative content brands, so we have to ensure we find the most exciting and innovative talent. In Melody we know we've found a kindred spirit.”