+ Portland-based prodco Food Chain Films forged an alliance with bicoastal Go Film. To make the deal, Go acquired shares of one of Food Chain's original owners, director Craig Henderson. Go Film execs Robert Wherry and Jonathan Weinstein will join Food Chain's David Allen Cress in the new venture, utilizing both companies' resources.

+ NY's Curious Pictures launched Curious IDEA, an initiative that will see
Curious' directors working with a team of graphic designers, character artists and designers, for animated projects for film and video on a non-exclusive basis. The deal is described by Curious Pictures' VP/executive producer Richard Winkler as "a co-op".

+ Amsterdam's Massive Music - the creative minds that exhumed Elvis for Nike in the form of Junkie XL's "A Little Less Conversation" - expanded stateside with new digs opening on New York's Park Avenue.

+ Directors Sean Mullens, Wayne Holloway and exec producer Brian Farhy - the entire staff of bicoastal Headquarters satellite Brand - have left the company for Los Angeles-based RSA. There, they will operate as a satellite under the banner transmission@RSA USA.

+ Bicoastal Believe Media opened Believe UK, a new office in Soho that will support the global reaches of its US directors, while simultaneously adding new talent from the UK market.

+ Director Vaughan Arnell left long-time directorial haunt, London-based Godman, in favor of producer Adam Saward's start-up company. The venture will be called Pagan and includes Arnell, directors Max & Dania and their producer Simon Poontip.

+ After a slew of senior personnel shuffles to other outposts, Bates Worldwide announced the closure of the Bates USA West offices in Irvine, CA.

+ Bicoastal-plus Chelsea Pictures launched Chelsea Digital in NY. Helmed by effects artist and editor Thor Raxlen, Chelsea Digital aims to retain top digital artists for work on commercial, promotions and features.