WELLINGTON, Today: UFO Rodeo has snapped up Wellington production powerhouse Wrestler, marking a big step in its mission to build a national creative collective with serious cultural impact.
Wrestler joins a group that already includes Augusto, Corner Store, Dark Doris and Ballyhoo—covering everything from brand strategy and social content to docs, events and activations.
The Wellington studio brings specialist production muscle into the mix, giving UFO Rodeo a strong base in the capital and helping the group scale its storytelling from local to global.
Wrestler was founded by Ben Forman and Kat Lintott (Ngāi Tahu), and has made a name through high-end, values-driven storytelling across brand, government and public sector work.
It’s a go-to for emotive brand films and creative campaigns that pack a visual punch. Being on the AoG Advertising and Creative Services Panel adds extra firepower for government jobs.
“Joining UFO Rodeo gives us access to a brilliant group of talented people who make work with real impact and opens up exciting opportunities to scale our ambition while staying true to our creative roots.” – Ben Forman
“This is more than a footprint expansion – it’s a coming together of two values-led, creative businesses that believe in the power of storytelling to shape culture,” says Leon Kirkbeck, CEO of UFO Rodeo.
“We’ve always admired Wrestler from afar and are excited to add their extraordinary craft to the Rodeo as well as their deep understanding of Wellington’s creative and commercial landscape.”
Wrestler will now play a lead production role across UFO Rodeo’s group projects—backing big campaigns across Aotearoa and beyond, with end-to-end creative delivery. “We’ve always been about meaningful work that connects with people,” says Ben Forman, Co-founder of Wrestler.
“Joining UFO Rodeo gives us access to a brilliant group of talented people who make work with real impact and opens up exciting opportunities to scale our ambition while staying true to our creative roots. The fact that both companies are independently owned and proudly Kiwi makes this even more special.”
Wrestler will keep its name, leadership and Wellington HQ, while teaming up on international projects across the wider group. Over the next few months, UFO Rodeo will connect with Wellington clients and partners to showcase the new creative firepower.
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