Hagerstown's High Rock Studios acquires 3D animation firm

High Rock Studios, based in downtown Hagerstown, has acquired Baltimore-based Pylot Studios, a firm specializing in three-dimensional renderings and animation, the company has announced.

"High Rock always strives to be at the forefront of technology," said Rich Daughtridge, founder and president of High Rock. "By acquiring Pylot Studios and their team of talented, award-winning 3D designers, we are creating new possibilities and providing broader services for our customers and their future growth."

The acquisition adds the expertise of former Pylot Studios owners Yavuz Goncu and Len Sullivan into the mix as High Rock advances its advertising and marketing solutions with the integration of 3D technologies, the company said in a July 31 news release.

Goncu will serve as creative director of 3D technology and partner in the foundation of the new 3D division, which also will include Sullivan as a partner and senior account executive.

"High Rock and Pylot have successfully partnered on many high profile projects in the past," Goncu said in the release. "Ultimately, we decided that our combined services allow us to quickly and efficiently respond to the increasing demand for new technology in marketing."

As a result of some recent hiring and the acquisition of Pylot, High Rock is planning to expand its Hagerstown headquarters and add some staffers to its recently relocated Baltimore office, company officials said.

Daughtridge said the firm recently added Greg Mills as chief operating officer of High Rock Holdings and Melody Belotte as account executive to increase response to client needs.

"We're excited for the opportunity to grow our team and expand our menu of services to include 3D technologies, in addition to strategic marketing, creative services, web and mobile development, and video production," he said.

Daughtridge said he plans to hire up to four additional employees by the end of 2014, likely to be two new jobs in Hagerstown and two in the Baltimore location.

Both locations will be full-service, but back office operations will continue to be headquartered in Hagerstown, Daughtridge said.

With the additions, the company's workforce stands at about 25 people, he said.

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