Roland is a founder and Executive Producer of Hinge, focusing on client relationships, strategic partnerships, innovation and creative direction. He was also Board President of the Oregon Media Production Association, the state's professional organization advocating for the media industry. Roland brings over 25 years of experience in production management and budgeting, creative problem solving and hands-on production in commercials, games and film. He partners with celebrated agencies, studios and global brands, including W+K, BBDO, Saatchi, WarnerMedia, Cartoon Network, adidas, Intel, EA, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Blizzard, Target, Pfizer and Nike.After earning a B.A. from Vassar and a B.A.S. degree in Animation from Expression College for Digital Arts, Gauthier worked as a freelance artist on independent film and video game projects including Batman: Dark Tomorrow. Joining the ranks of Will Vinton Studios, then Laika/house, he began as a Character Technical Director. He quickly advanced to Senior Technical Director, working on commercials for such brands as M&Ms, Honda, Wrigley’s, Cheerios, and Cox Communications. Demonstrating the ability to grow the department’s artistic and technical capabilities as well as improve overall efficiency, Gauthier was promoted to CG Department Manager of Laika/house where he oversaw a crew of twenty regular and project staff, managed departmental budgeting and resource allocation, and directed the development of new tools, techniques and internal projects. In collaboration with in-house producers and directors, he developed bids and helped determine the scope of commercial projects.Transitioning to Laika Entertainment, Roland additionally served as a Sequence Supervisor and Rigger on the award-winning CG-animated short film, Moongirl, directed by Henry Selick, and modeled the lead character of “Jack” from the CG feature Jack and Ben.Not only does he offer his talents to commercial and film productions, but Gauthier also strives to share his knowledge with the community as adjunct faculty at the Art Institute of Portland.