Designsensory Agency Founders Acquire Full Ownership of PopFizz Productions

PopFizz Managing Partner Bryan Allen Exits After 14 Years

KNOXVILLE, TN — Designsensory, a Knoxville-based integrated advertising agency, founders Joseph Nother and Brandon Rochelle have acquired full ownership of production company PopFizz, ushering in a new era of integrated storytelling. PopFizz was co-founded by Nother and Rochelle with longtime partner Bryan Allen. After 14 years as managing partner, Allen is stepping away from production to pursue new ventures in technology and real estate development.

“Bryan helped define the voice and vision of PopFizz,” said Rochelle. “His love of visuals and storytelling shaped the company from day one. We’re proud of what we built together, and ready for what’s next.”

Over the past decade, PopFizz has produced nationally recognized content across advertising and entertainment. That includes branded and original series like Tennessee Uncharted on PBS, Lil Jon Wants To Do What, Remastered and Let Them Be Naked: A Documentary on Sustainable Fashion—as well as commercial and campaign work for NASCAR, Bush’s Beans and Dollywood. The team has also contributed to programming for Warner Bros. Discovery, including Love It or List It, Food Network Kitchen, Handmade, HGTV Happy, Bargain Mansions, Unspouse My House and more.

Under full Designsensory ownership, PopFizz will continue to operate independently with a sharper focus on content that blurs the line between advertising and entertainment. The acquisition also brings the production arm closer to Designsensory’s core, creating a more unified engine across brand, strategy and story.

“We’re not merging functions, we’re building momentum,” said Nother. “From small screens to cinema, this is about moving faster, creating with intention, channeling culture and capturing attention where it matters. We’re also leaning into AI and emerging tech. Not to replace craft, but to accelerate it. It’s about augmenting skills, empowering creators and giving auteurs and brands alike the tools to tell sharper, more human stories—faster and with greater relevance.”

The acquisition positions the Designsensory-PopFizz group to compete more aggressively across commercial, branded and entertainment categories, as demand grows for integrated storytelling that lives across platforms, from 15-second verticals to full episodic formats. The move further strengthens the group’s broader storytelling ambitions, which also include Good Gravity Entertainment, a co-owned venture focused on original content development across TV, streaming and digital-first platforms.

Kristin Majni will continue to serve in a senior leadership position as Director of Operations for PopFizz and remains the primary contact for all business, partners and vendors. PopFizz remains headquartered in Knoxville, TN, with no planned staff changes.