Thinkwell Group, a global experience design and production agency with studios and offices in Los Angeles, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Montréal, announced today the hiring of Montréal-based creative executive Hugues Sweeney as President of Thinkwell Studio Montréal. The appointment reaffirms the organization’s commitment to Montréal, Québec, and Canada for long-term growth and continues Thinkwell’s focus in the development of cutting-edge creative technologies for brands and businesses around the world.
“Our global projects demand the highest level of both creative execution and technology-driven design and development, and we believe that Montréal is a strong differentiator for Thinkwell in these pursuits,” said François Bergeron, Chief Operating & Financial Officer, Thinkwell Group. “Bringing Hugues into the organization will allow the company to strategically implement our long-term vision in Montréal.”
In this role, Hugues will bring in new creative projects for museums, attractions, corporate brand experiences, and hospitality clients through Thinkwell Studio Montréal. He will also oversee the research & development initiatives of Réalisations-Montréal, which was acquired by Thinkwell Group in early 2019. Réalisations will continue its commitment to the conception and development of new projects using technologies like artificial intelligence, real-time generative projection technologies, and big data integration systems under Hugues’ leadership.
“This appointment signals the next chapter for Réalisations,” said Roger Parent, founder of Réalisations-Montréal. “Hugues’ creative leadership and expertise will build upon our existing foundation as a boutique creative technology firm.”
Last month, the team in Montréal delivered the interactive and captivating nighttime nature experience at the Parc Omega safari park in Montebello, Quebec, Canada, which follows the team’s significant role in the design and execution of the award-winning Jacques-Cartier Bridge illumination project in 2017. Thinkwell and Réalisations also collaborated on the Warner Bros. Cinema Spectacular, which introduced a patented auto-calibration projection system for the world’s-first 360-degree immersive indoor plaza show at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi in 2018.
Hugues Sweeney is an award-winning digital media executive who has produced trailblazing interactive experiences for more than 20 years. Formerly head of Bande à part (CBC's digital native music platform) and a founding member of National Film Board (NFB) digital studio, his experience connecting large audiences through new media platforms and interactivity has led to the development of multiple projects and partnerships across Europe, North America, and South America. His productions have received more than 150 global awards and distinctions, including SXSW, Webby, Japan Media Arts, Creative Review, and NUMIX. As an active member of the arts and culture community, Hugues serves as vice-president of Montréal Arts Council (CAM) Board of Trustees and co-president of Culture Montréal’s Digital Committee. He also advises the Montréal Symphonic Orchestra (OSM), XN Québec and La Piscine and is an active member of the Acquisition Committee of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC).
"I am honored to contribute to the new life of a studio that has been a pioneer in crafting interactive environments,” said Hugues. “Thinkwell’s presence in Montréal will play a key role in redefining collective experiences around the world through the creative application of technology, and I am excited to lead the Montréal teams into this next chapter."
About Thinkwell Studio Montréal:
Thinkwell Studio Montréal is Thinkwell Group’s newest Quebec-based creative studio that is focused on expanding and integrating creative technologies at the earliest stages of design for guest experiences around the world. From creative content development to the design of integrated technical solutions, the capabilities of Thinkwell Studio Montréal will build upon the research & development initiatives of Réalisations-Montréal.
Réalisations-Montréal operates and collaborates with Thinkwell Studio Montréal to develop and deliver cutting edge interactive experiences that seamlessly blend art and technology. Founded in 2000 by Roger Parent, Réalisations conceives, invents, and perfects new technologies, including big data, artificial intelligence, real-time generative projection technologies, recognition systems, and more. For more information visit: www.realisations.net
About Thinkwell Group:
Thinkwell Group is a global experience design and production agency with studios and offices in Los Angeles, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, Montréal, and Riyadh. For more than 15 years, Thinkwell’s multi-disciplinary team has created compelling experiences for a wide range of clients and brands around the world. Thinkwell’s creative, collaborative team brings extensive experience in the strategy, planning, design, and production of theme parks, destination resorts, major branded and intellectual property attractions, events & spectaculars, museums & exhibits, expos, and live shows. The award-winning company is a leader in experiential design with expertise across a variety of industry verticals. Thinkwell recently delivered Lionsgate Entertainment World in Zhuhai, China, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places of 2018. For more information visit: www.thinkwellgroup.com