Creative production studio Flavor has announced a major leadership transition, with longtime Chicago production veteran Neal Cohen retiring and Executive Producer Kate Smith stepping into the top role.
Flavor, part of the global Cutters Studios network, named Cohen its first-ever Managing Director four years ago. His retirement closes out a nearly four-decade career in Chicago’s commercial production community, where he became known as one of the city’s most trusted hands-on producers.
Over 39 years, Cohen’s work has spanned design, 2D and 3D animation, VFX, color and finishing. During his time leading Flavor, he helped guide the studio through a period of growth and major technological change, while reinforcing a culture built around collaboration, loyalty and long-term creative relationships.
“I’m most proud of the team I’ve built,” Cohen said. “I’ve pretty much hired everyone at Flavor, and many have been here 8, 10, even 15 years. They must like working here and the work we do. That means everything to me.”
Cohen said Smith has already played a key role in helping lead the studio.
“Kate has helped me run Flavor for the last four years,” Cohen said. “Her experience as an EP and Senior Producer is huge. She knows our clients and understands the technical side. I couldn’t be more confident she’s the right choice to step in and step up.”
Smith brings more than 20 years of post-production experience and a long history with the Cutters Studios family. Her credits include award-winning commercial campaigns and Super Bowl work, including WeatherTech’s “Whatever Comes Your Way” and Jeep’s “Owner’s Manual.”
She has also served on the board of Half Rez, Chicago’s event for motion designers and animators. Since returning to Flavor in 2022, Smith has been central to the studio’s growth, client relationships and national sales outreach.
“I’ve learned so much from Neal over the past seven years,” Smith said. “One of the best lessons is to stick to the facts. And I love his line, ‘hoping is not good producing.’ While I still use a little hope, it’s a great reminder.”
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Smith said she is looking forward to bringing Flavor’s work to a wider audience. “I’m most looking forward to sharing Flavor’s amazing work with a broader audience and finding new and unique opportunities for my team,” she said.
Cutters Studios President and Managing Director Craig Duncan praised both Cohen’s legacy and Smith’s readiness to lead. “Kate has been an invaluable part of our leadership, sales, and marketing efforts for years,” Duncan said. “I’ve watched her advocate for Flavor and Cutters Studios with total confidence. She connects with people instantly and she’s absolutely ready for this. Neal trained her well, and this transition will be seamless.”
Duncan also credited Cohen with building the culture Smith will now carry forward. “Neal built a team that feels like family, and that spirit is exactly what Kate will carry forward,” he said.
As Flavor continues to support agencies and brands worldwide, the studio is also expanding its global network of freelance collaborators. Designers, 2D and 3D animators, character animators, VFX artists, compositors and Flame finishers are invited to submit reels and portfolios through Cutters Studios.
