Scholar

We develop highly acclaimed content with a focus on concept, creation and emerging technologies. LA // NY Always moving forward. Always reimagining the norm.

Scholar is a creative production company driven by curiosity and an eagerness to engage viewers on an emotional level. Blending artistry with emerging techniques, we forge braver, smarter content. As a full-service studio with offices in Los Angeles and New York, surrounded by a broad collection of award-winning creators, we produce work that is driven by substance and supported by style.

09/14/2026

We are so thrilled to be participating in Portfolio Reviews at Pictoplasma NYC on September 18th.

Scholar’s Liam Elias and Kyle Switzer will both be in attendance.
Creative Director Liam Elias’ work blends cinematic storytelling with a deep technical craft, moving comfortably between writing, design, animation, CG, and live action. But the tools have never been the point. Liam is most interested in feeling, finding the little spark of humanity inside an idea and building an entire world around it. At Scholar, he brings that curiosity to stories both big and small, chasing beautiful images and memorable characters for Apple, Chevron, Target, Kellogg’s, and others.

Jr Art Director Kyle Switzer’s work is driven by innovation. He’s worked with clients such as Apple, Google, Meta, Porsche, and Nike. In all instances, it’s about storytelling, process, finding a world to live in, discovering its design language, and pushing beyond it. Whether through film, CG, print, or editorial, it’s about transcending the tool— delivering stories in ways that haven’t yet been told.

Don’t be shy, come say hi if you see us.

08/27/2026

We want to give the warmest welcome to Scholar’s newest Production Assistant Sean Leahy!

As a child in Whittier, CA, Sean developed his musical talents by learning the trumpet and piano to create original songs, and after a stint living in Philadelphia where he gained experience in film and commercial production, Sean is back home in Los Angeles, enjoying his newfound crew-handling skills.

Sean stays busy with lots of tasks, though shares that one of his favorite things about working in the studio includes the relaxing walks alongside the Los Angeles river.

“Either with the gang or by myself, [walks by the LA river] have been a great way to segment the day and think about where we are past the hustle and bustle of work.”

Outside of Scholar, you can find Sean playing racquetball and slaying it on the ‘Fast Track’ board game. Check out his bio and feel free to drop any questions for him in the comments: https://helloscholar.com/about/production-assistant-sean-leahy

Staff Illustration by Jee Kim.

08/25/2026

2016 was the last good year. At least, that’s what the internet is saying.

From purple drenched Instagram filters, to hand drawn notes to Vines so classic they live in your DNA. This campaign for Taco Bell is a love letter to a year that cannot be defined by a single list, but by a dreamy quote over a palm tree sunset background.

Everyone knows the look of phone footage of a bygone era: low res, pixels crunched, exposure flare ups. So we captured the food as authentically as we could, using an actual iPhone 6, giving us the flexibility to create handheld whip pans and a feel that could only come from the last decade.

What better way to celebrate #2016 then by diving straight into the most iconic Vine compilation with such seamless (and delicious) Taco Bell throwback menu highlights. You’ll question whether it was a part of the original videos and leave you yelling “What are THOSSEEEE?!”

08/11/2026

Summer is still going strong. You know we love to pop a cold Olipop on a hot, steamy day. 😉

Cool off with our latest partnership with Olipop for their new permanent flavor Blackberry Vanilla.

Have you tried it yet? 👀

Creative Director: Will Johnson
Associate Creative Director: Madison Ellis
Managing Director / E.P.: Kirsten Noll
Executive Producer: Kate Aspell
Senior Producer: Mary Mondrus

08/06/2026

Every college student is unique, from what they wear to how they decorate their dorm to the devices they need for class. This year’s Apple's back-to-school campaign leans into that individuality, helping students get sorted with exactly what they need to start the school year right.

We helped bring to life move-in ready students, each built around their own personality, props, and curated Apple products. Fueled by Gen Z aesthetics and self expression, the visual style combines punk inspired halftone, cut edges and poppy stop motion animation that is tactile and fun. A perfect compliment to the elevated, college-ready devices at the core.

https://helloscholar.com/project/apple-college-sorted

07/09/2026

Shaping and crafting a banquet array of ✨YES✨ animations to catch eyes on any possible display, we took every opportunity to bring elegance and optimism into the final look for our latest campaign with Island.

Swipe through the carousel of stills. Feel the Power of YES! 👍

https://helloscholar.com/project/island-say-yes

07/07/2026

One small word with the power to move mountains. YES. The energy, vibrance and all-around joy welling within that word became the driving force for an industry-shaking spiritual redirect on what a campaign can be.

Can technology have personality? Yes. 🙌
Can typography alone take us on a journey? Yes. 🙂‍↕️
Can enterprise security be fun while fortifying businesses? YES! ✨

https://helloscholar.com/project/island-say-yes

07/02/2026

“As soon as you arrive, this world has a warm, familiar feeling that comes not only from the product itself but also from scenes that would feel close to home for the audience.”

Digital Media World breaks down the world of ExtraMile and chats with Scholar’s Liam Elias about building lush environments and characters, rendered in hyperreal detail with animation that has a tactile, engaging look.

Thank you to Digital Media World for the wonderful feature: https://digitalmediaworld.tv/animation/scholar-creates-bite-sized-spots-for-the-bigger-world-of-extramile

06/25/2026

EXTRA, EXTRA, read all about it! 🦸‍♂️🗞️

The latest ExtraMile spots, produced in partnership with Drake Cooper, feature highly detailed 3D animation that blends stylized storytelling with near-photoreal visuals. The creative team expanded the scale of the animated environment, adding greater detail and movement throughout the world surrounding the character.

The work reflects a broader trend among brands seeking to create recurring characters and narrative worlds that can evolve over time rather than relying on one-off campaign concepts. In ExtraMile’s case, that strategy has helped transform a convenience-store mascot into a recognizable brand platform.

Thank you Reel 360 for the feature! ✨ Check out the full story here: https://reel360.com/article/drake-cooper-expands-extraman-universe-in-new-extramile-work/

06/11/2026

There’s nothing more thrilling than a visit from your future self reminding you you’re on the right track. 🔮🚙✨

With our latest Chevron spot, we focused on expression driven by motion. Every tilt, shift, and bounce becomes part of the performance. The mechanics of a car turned into a language of emotion and reaction.

https://helloscholar.com/project/chevron-2026-cars-campaign

Address

2800 Clearwater Street
Los Angeles, CA
90039

Telephone

(310) 593-2988

Website

http://www.helloscholar.com/

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