Crash & Sue’s, the creative-driven editorial, fx/animation, transfer, and finishing house, has just added creative editor Carrie Shanahan to their diverse roster of collaborative talent. Shanahan’s arrival coincides with the company’s systems’ upgrades and remodel/build-out through MS&R Architects, the interior design firm behind the new Carmichael Lynch renovation.
Carrie Shanahan began her career in Chicago, rising through the ranks at Edit Sweet and Optimus, cutting a steady stream of high-profile national spots for clients such as Leo Burnett and BBDO before making the move to New York. There she freelanced through some of the city’s most progressive facilities, Brand New School for example, working on a mix of projects together with clients including Ammirati, MTV, and Discovery Channel.

In 2004 Carrie signed with Uppercut in Minneapolis and fell in love with the city. Having spent the last year dividing her time between Minneapolis and New York, she has decided to concentrate her efforts and come onboard the award-winning Minneapolis-based company Crash & Sue’s.

Recent spots for Macy’s, Citi, Ronald McDonald House/Coca-Cola, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts through Target Corporation are among the long list of television commercials that Shanahan has to her credit. An eclectic array of long format projects brings a fresh perspective to her spot work. “Diet”, a comedy short by Mike Meiners, took home Best Comedy Short by IFP/ Chicago, and “Goodbye Hello”, a dramatic feature shot in Bulgaria, garnered “Best Feature” Audience Award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, “Best Foreign Film” at the San Francisco World Film Festival, and the “Indie Spirit Award” Special Jury Recognition at the Boston International Film Festival.

Shanahan recently shot and edited a conceptual film to accompany Gyorgy Ligeti's Chamber Concerto for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, as well as a piece in collaboration with Escape Mechanism that debuted at Rosalux Gallery last year. Currently she is editing a documentary showcasing singer/songwriter Martha Wainwright.

“I really like to mix it up as far as projects- spots, longer format, interactive – it’s all about crafting a story,” reveals Shanahan. “I tell my students at Miami Ad School…even if you’re just dealing with a piece of string and a light bulb, there is a story there. It’s in the pacing, in the light and shadows. I learn a lot from them about the importance of instinct. The best part of my job is the constant forward momentum, and I’m excited to be part of a team with a solid history who’s also forward-thinking.”

“We reviewed what felt like a mountain of potential candidates, but it was Carrie’s diverse experience, range, energy…yet general “chill factor”…that stood out,” explains Donna Drewick, executive producer at C&S. “Girl’s got it going on, simple as that.”

“The timing was perfect- Donna and I had one of those ‘Eureka!’ moments that are the best way to start off a working relationship,” notes Shanahan. “The caliber of their finishing talent, their dedication to moving with the changes in the industry, and the freedom they can afford me to keep up with my New York clients all add up to a win-win situation.”

For further information about Crash & Sue’s, contact Executive Producer Donna Drewick at 612.338.7947 or visit www.crashandsues.com.