Ghost Robot

Ghost Robot

Company type	Private
Industry	Content studio, media production
Founded	2002
Founder	Zachary Mortensen
Headquarters	Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York , United States
Key people	Zachary Mortensen, Mark De Pace
Products	Music videos, feature films, documentaries, comic books, branded content

Ghost Robot operates as an innovative content studio located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, United States. The firm engages in the creation of projects spanning multiple media formats.

History

Established in 2002 by Zachary Mortensen, Ghost Robot derived its name from a music video production for Zero7’s track "In The Waiting Line," directed by Tommy Pallotta. This particular video marked the pioneering commercial application of machinima utilizing the Quake engine and earned accolades at the first Academy of Machinima Arts and Sciences event held at the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City.

In 2005, Mark De Pace became a full partner, spearheading the development of the company’s roster of directors for commercial representation. His involvement transformed Ghost Robot’s position within the marketplace and catalyzed its growth into advertising and commercial production sectors.

Music videos

Ghost Robot initially gained recognition through its work on music videos. Among its distinguished projects is RJD2’s “Work It Out,” which featured dancer and artist Bill Shannon and was captured in a single continuous shot on the streets of New York City. This piece was featured at the Saatchi New Directors Showcase during Cannes.

In 2008, Ghost Robot produced the music video for Björk’s "Wanderlust", directed by long-term collaborators Isaiah Saxon and Sean Hellfritsch from Encyclopedia Pictura. Shot in stereoscopic 3D within New York City, the video integrated large-scale puppetry, live-action acrobatics, miniature models, and computer-generated imagery. The production spanned nine months and involved designing a bespoke 3D camera and playback technology.

Entertainment

Partners Zachary Mortensen and Mark De Pace, both alumni of NYU Film School, founded Ghost Robot with an emphasis on independent filmmaking in New York City. The company has developed feature-length films, documentaries, and comic books. In 2008, it produced Against the Current, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Ghost Robot’s feature film Creative Control, directed by Benjamin Dickinson, made its debut at South by Southwest in March 2015 and was subsequently released in March 2016 through Amazon Studios and Magnolia Pictures.

In 2014, Ghost Robot launched its inaugural comic book titled The Gatecrashers: A Night of Gatecrashing, which garnered critical praise and continues as an ongoing series.

Branded content

The studio develops advertising and branded media for international clients, including leading the 2013 relaunch campaign for the Ford Fusion.