Video content marketplace ‘The Smalls’ hires from Buzzfeed amid 350% year-on-year growth
The Smalls - an online community of 13,000 filmmakers that offers clients a unique way to commission short form content - has appointed Buzzfeed’s David Pugh-Jones to the newly created role of commercial director and secured major funding on the back of its 350 per cent year-on-year growth in 2015.
David Pugh-Jones was previously director of brand strategy, Europe at BuzzFeed. Prior to Buzzfeed, Pugh-Jones spent 10 years with Microsoft’s Global Advertising division. The Smalls have said his appointment is indicative of a clear ambition of the company’s international growth plans over the coming years.
His role will be to define and deliver the creative and strategic vision of The Smalls and focus on new business development opportunities, whilst serving as an industry representative for the company.
The funding was secured from technology and creative content investor Russell Glenister and will be used to launch a new technology platform that will allow filmmakers to showcase their work and develop their skills through online coaching.
The Smalls’ online platform, Pitch Room, was launched in 2013 and gives brands access to a global community of filmmaking talent to commission content for web or TV.
The company has attracted high-profile clients including Universal Pictures, The BBC, Soho House, Sony Music, Kraft, Microsoft, Toyota, New Look and Coca Cola.
"With the vast array of talented filmmakers and production companies available at our fingertips, this is the perfect opportunity to drive a seismic change in the way that brands and agencies source and produce outstanding video content online. With our full service agency approach, we’re distinctively primed to meet the industry’s insatiable demand for award-winning and authentically produced video content," says Pugh-Jones.
Kate Tancred, co-founder and managing director of The Smalls, comments: "Online video content is in relative infancy and the industry is still learning the tricks of the trade when it comes to delivering smart solutions. Brands are looking for more honest, compelling ways to talk to their audiences online. Content that works across an ever increasing array of channels needs to be delivered creatively, cost-effectively and quickly, while still retaining quality. We help brands achieve this by combining the benefits of a crowdsourced model with the quality assurance of an agency style approach."