Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Holzmeister
Hi Andre, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Andre Holzmeister is an award-winning animation director and entrepreneur in the advertising industry. He launched his first production company at just 17 years old and went on to work at TV Globo Network alongside Hans Donner, creating iconic opening titles for popular novelas. Andre then joined CUBOCC, the leading digital agency in São Paulo, where he founded The Kumite, an acclaimed production house serving top-tier clients like Unilever and Pepsico. His journey continued at Wildlife Studios, a billion-dollar unicorn startup, where he served as Lead Art Director for their extensive game portfolio.
Andre later moved to New York City to spearhead the CGI and technology division at Huge Inc., one of the largest digital agencies in the U.S. He played a crucial role in establishing the foundations of Invisible Universe, an animation studio that brought digital influencers to life, collaborating with celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Serena Williams, Karlie Kloss, and the D’Amelio Family.
Most recently, Andre founded Rise New York, a creative powerhouse in one of the world’s most competitive markets. Rise has since evolved into Rise Global Creative, a dynamic holding company with multiple branches, including Rise Agency, Studio by Rise, ArtLab by Rise, and Rise Academy, with offices in New York, London, São Paulo, and Singapore.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started my first company in 1995 when I was 17, not because I’m wanted to have my own company but because I wanted to work with Computer Graphics and animation, and back in the day there was no market for that, there was only 1 position o the entire state that was at TV Gazeta, a TV Globo subsidiary. So I made my position and started working for advertising projects.
After I founded The Kumite in São Paulo, it was really hard to compete with the giants like Lobo and Vetor Zero, but we were able to compete and thrive.
But not as hard as emigrating, when you move from one country to the other you give up so much, family, friends, you leave your comfort zone, left a giant apartment with all the amenities you have in São Paulo for a small 1 bedroom apartment at the corner of Times Square was a huge change in lifestyle. All that the city can offer vs all the comfort we had back in SP. But NY makes you stronger, it’s a tough city for sure. Moving to Orlando during COVID was a very tough decision but we were already mastering Remote work way before the pandemic, so it was natural but it does not make it easy. The last few years have been really tough for most business but Rise has been thriving and we won quite a few awards like AdAge Small Agency Awards 2022 Campaign Of The Year — Gold, AdAge Best Small & Independent Agencies 2022. The Drum Awards 2022 in London, Highly Commended Campaign Of The Year, OOH Local Campaign Of The Year — Winner, OOH New Approach — Winner
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a successful animation film director, CG artist, and creative director in the advertising business. Over the past two decades, I’ve specialized in storytelling through film, illustration, and animation, blending photography and CGI to create powerful, visually engaging narratives.
One of my most significant achievements is Malak and The Boat, a short film based on the story of a young Syrian refugee. This project, which received awards worldwide, including five Cannes Lions, amongst them a Gran Prix for Good, was both creatively fulfilling and impactful, as it brought attention to a pressing humanitarian issue.
I think what sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity and storytelling in every project. balancing technical excellence with emotional resonance. Whether working with clients like Microsoft, Hublot/Ferrari, or a small Startup business, I bring a unique vision that’s grounded in both artistic excellence and a deep understanding of storytelling to serve a purpose and solve a client’s communication problem.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There would be too many names to include here. During my time at TV Globo, I learned a great deal from Hans Donner, with whom I had the pleasure of creating several iconic title openings for TV shows and soap operas. In São Paulo, Roberto Martini gave me the opportunity to play in the “big leagues” of advertising in the largest arena in the southern hemisphere. Working with him and co-founding a couple of production houses was transformative for me, both professionally and personally.
However, the most important person for my journey in the USA was Flavio Vidigal, my partner at Rise New York. In 2016, he offered me the opportunity to help shape the production studio of Huge Inc., one of New York’s biggest digital agencies at the time. Flavio not only helped me navigate cultural shifts but has also been a mentor whom I deeply respect. His creative mind elevates everything he touches. We founded Rise together in 2017 and our relationship and partnership remain stronger than ever.
Of course, I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without my soulmate and wife, Ludimilla. She is the hidden strength that has helped me overcome the difficult moments in this journey, and there were quite a few, really.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andreholzmeister.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreholzmeister
- Twitter: https://x.com/A_Holzmeister
- Other: https://studiobyrise.com
- Other: https://risenewyork.com
Image Credits
Ahora Tequila – Rise New York & Partners, Campbell Ewald
Microsoft Azure – Rise New York & Partners
Malak And The Boat – Andre Holzmeister, Adhemas Batista, 180 LA
Hublot/Ferrari – Andre Holzmeister, Rise New York & Partners, Huge Inc.
Nike/Daiwa – Rise New York & Partners / AKQA Japan
African Princess – Andre Holzmeister
Primates/Mandrill – Andre Holzmeister
Holi – Andre Holzmeister
