BUSINESS

• Another British Music Invasion
  London based music house, Finger has expanded Stateside with the opening of a new studio in Santa Monica. The 18-month-old company, founded by exec producer John Murrell and Grammy-nominated composer Hein Hoven, has been producing music for both UK and US commercials. The rational behind the LA studio is a response to an increasing workload in the US and to allow for gigs that require an interactive environment not possible across 9 time zones. In its first week of opening Finger LA has scored music for two Gatorade spots for Element 79 and is currently working with Publicis New York and Traktor on their latest Heineken spot. The LA studio will be headed up by exec producer Dave Hodge.
  http://www.fingermusic.tv

PEOPLE

Wild(child) announced the hiring of editor Patrick Burns Jr. (formerly of Whitehouse) and the appointment of Sarah Grey to Head of Development.
http://www.wildchildpost.com

Maverick Media has signed Michal Bulik of Radio Zet fame to their directing roster.
http://www.maverickmedia.com

Editor Kevin Zimmerman, formerly of Mad River but freelancing since 2001, has joined FilmCore and will be based out of the company's Santa Monica office.
http://www.filmcore.com

Troika Design Group in Hollywood has added Sonia Lamba to their team as Creative Director. Lamba was the first female CD for ATTIK and has also worked at Goodspot.
http://www.troika.tv

Portland-based animation/live action production studio Bent Image Lab has signed director Lisa Yu -- who is known for her stop motion work.
http://www.bentimagelab.com

Director Peter Webber (Girl with a Pearl Earring) and his producer Stephen Brierley have been signed to UK-based Love Productions.
http://www.hellolove.tv