Independent, artist-led post production company Disauthority is putting a familiar face at the helm. The studio has promoted Zain Haris to managing director, giving its leadership structure a fresh shape as it enters its next phase of growth.
Haris has been with Disauthority since its early days, joining when the company was still led solely by founder Marcus Hundsnes. Over the past three years, he has been a key force behind the studio’s creative development, working as a colourist while helping establish its technical pipeline and broaden its creative offering.
Now, Haris moves from shaping the picture to helping shape the business. As managing director, Haris will oversee Disauthority’s day-to-day operations, working across creative, production and technical teams to maintain the studio’s standards while keeping its growth on track.
The move also frees up Hundsnes and executive Maria Hundsnes-Shevtsova to focus more closely on strengthening existing relationships, developing new opportunities and expanding the studio’s slate and services.
“Zain has been there from the very beginning, so having him step into this role feels like a natural progression,” said Hundsnes. “He understands Disauthority inside and out, not only creatively and technically, but also the way we want to work and the standards we want to set.” He added that Haris’ experience and understanding of the company had given him “a huge amount of trust” in his ability to take on the role, while allowing Hundsnes to concentrate on business growth.
For Hundsnes-Shevtsova, the promotion is about dividing responsibilities more effectively as the company grows.
“We’re really excited about this change and the positive impact we expect it to have on the way we structure the company and divide our responsibilities,” she said. “It gives Zain the scope to take on a greater leadership role, while allowing Marcus and I to focus on developing the Disauthority slate and our offerings.”
For Haris, the new role marks a natural next step after helping build the studio from the ground up.
“I’ve been fortunate to help build Disauthority and I’m proud of what the team has achieved so far,” Haris said. “Taking on the role of managing director is an exciting challenge, which reinforces our ambition and continued adaptation to an ever-changing industry.”
With Haris now taking the operational reins, Disauthority is betting on continuity rather than a clean break. The studio’s foundations remain intact, but the leadership is shifting gears, and Haris is moving from colouring the company’s vision to helping steer it.
