Stay Open Appoints Film Director Ben Fee As Chief Creative Officer
Film Veteran Brings Imagination and Creative Spirit to Los Angeles-Based Pod Hotel & Residences Startup
STAY OPEN, the Los Angeles-based startup transforming unused commercial space into affordable, socially engaging pod hotels and co-living properties, has today announced the appointment of film director Ben Fee as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) to oversee brand strategy and creative design for the "Sleep As A Service" platform.
In his new position, Fee—who lives between Malmö, Sweden and Los Angeles—will manage content strategy, along with design for STAY OPEN's web and proprietary app, which will match guests and residences, while introducing local experiences in each destination. Fee will also oversee partnerships, merchandising, and eventually live events for each property, while creating an overall vibe for STAY OPEN properties. In addition, Fee will oversee nonprofit efforts for the brand on issues including homelessness.
With over two decades of experience in the creative and visual arts as a writer, director, photographer and cinematographer—and having worked with visionaries such as Hunter S. Thompson and Academy Award-winning documentary film director and producer Alex Gibney— Fee brings a unique perspective to STAY OPEN, tapping into a well of imagination and aesthetic expertise.
"We are ecstatic to welcome Ben Fee to the STAY OPEN team," said CEO and co-founder Steve Shpilsky. "Ben is a beautiful creator and visualizer of human experiences whose bold ideas and innovative spirit will elevate the brand – from web and app design to unique, unforgettable experiences for our guests and residents."
Fee, whose resume includes writing, directing and producing content for MTV, Wieden + Kennedy, Jigsaw Productions and his own Scandinavia Pictures, co-founded and continues to run OMG Cameras Everywhere, a non-profit filmmaking camp for children with locations in Los Angeles, NYC, Oakland and London. He has also written and edited for publications including LADYGUNN, Method and Modart.
Fee joins co-founders Steve Shpilsky, Andrew Swerdloff and Alex Morrise, who conceived the brand with the aim of democratizing how and where people sleep with its affordable, design-forward properties, while encouraging social connection.
About STAY OPEN
Slated to open in late 2021, STAY OPEN is a collection of affordable, tech-first, design-forward pod hotels and co-living properties that encourage social connection and exploration. The "Sleep as a Service" platform founded by Steve Shpilsky, Andrew Swerdloff and Alex Morrise aims to democratize travel, provide flexibility, breathe life into forgotten real estate, and revitalize communities. The brand will launch its first properties in San Diego and Los Angeles, beginning with a co-living beta site in Venice in early 2021 – with full service pod hotels and co-living residences to follow throughout the U.S. STAY OPEN pod hotel designs will vary at each location, ranging from a one-story commercial space in one city to a modern multi-story property with a rooftop bar and lounge in another. Each STAY OPEN hotel will include at least 10 rooms with 4 to 8 private sleeping pods per room and approximately 10 private rooms featuring king and queen beds for those seeking more space. All STAY OPEN properties will feature food and beverage amenities, common areas for work or play, high-end shared restrooms, complimentary WIFI and integration with STAY OPEN's custom app that helps match guests and residents, and introduces authentic local experiences. For more information, please go to www.STAYOPEN.com