Who We Are
HOThead is a creative, multimedia studio with extensive experience delivering top notch content to its clients. We offer a boutique approach to every project with over 35 years of creating content that makes our clients smile.
Led by real-life husband and wife team Jim Stauffer and Karen Martin, the HOThead team adds a personal touch to each project with their warm, approachable and often hilarious work style.
The love of a great story and the producing and technical skills to bring each story and project to life sets HOThead apart.
You could work with others but why not have fun with us?
Our Team
Imagination and creativity are food for the soul.
Jim Stauffer 2022
Jim Stauffer
Jim’s creativity and ability to bring projects to life coupled with his offbeat sense of humor has kept a wide range of clients insisting on his super powers. Highly regarded as an innovative sound designer, musician, voice artist and recording engineer for television, podcasts, animated series, trailers, shorts and documentaries, he is also a gifted foley artist with a tremendous range of vocal fx.
Jim is the recipient of many prestigious awards including ProMaxBDA Gold, Silver, Bronze, Clio, Manny Awards, Annies, Parent’s Choice, Webby, Emmy and Emmy Nominations, a Little League trophy and a 2018 “Best Dad Ever” t shirt in size 2XL. Jim has created sound design/composition for many networks and digital platforms including: Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Noggin, AMC, Nick Digital, MTV,NBC, USA, Syfy, HBO, Volkswagen, MLB(Major League Baseball), Newsday, Live Nation, Blue Sky Films, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Comedy Central, MSG, WWE, Frederator, Samsung Gear VR, VICE, Playstation, History Channel, NASCAR, Lifetime, VH1, Canon, Nicktoons, Project Runway, SPIKE, American Express, GMC, Warner Bros. Games, Oxygen, NFL Rush Zone, DISH Network, Sprout, Cooking Channel, Trojan, Ikea, Red Lobster, City Harvest, Project Renewal, eHarmony, McDonald’s, Kay Jewelers, Infiniti, Lucky Charms, Long Island Aquarium, SeaWorld, Jose Cuervo, GoGurt, Trix, Merck, Novartis, DDB, Glass, Saatchi, NY State Lottery, California State Fair, Acamar Films, Jim Henson’s Muppets, Discovery, Discovery Kids just to name a few.
Karen Martin
Karen Martin is an Emmy-nominated and Gracie Awards recipient, driven by her passion for bringing stories to life. She currently serves as the Executive Producer and partner at Hothead Creative, where she has been instrumental in creating content for Fortune 500 company videos and animations, podcasts (including being nominated for the 2023 Ambie Awards for WGBH/PBS Kids’ Pinkalicious, Nickelodeon, and Highlights Hangout), commercials, interstitials, and series.
Beyond her work at Hothead Creative, Karen is the founder of SH!NE Animation, which has formed a valuable partnership with NYC’s after-school programs. Together, they inspire and encourage children to unleash their creativity by creating and sharing stories through animation.
Karen’s influence in the entertainment industry extends to her role as the Executive Producer and Co-host of GUSH, a compelling lifestyle podcast featuring episodes with renowned personalities such as Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm), and Vicki Lawrence (The Cool Kids). Additionally, she actively contributes to The New Jersey Hall of Fame as a board member and has produced engaging NJ.com Facebook live interviews for the NJ Hall of Fame Annual Award Shows, which have celebrated notable figures like Debbie Harry of Blondie, Gloria Gaynor, astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly, Stevie Van Zandt, Carli Lloyd, Harlan Coben, Anna Quindlen, Wyclef Jean, and Steve Forbes.
Karen’s illustrious career features pivotal roles in launching the Oxygen Network and spearheading the successful rollout of the innovative FX Network. Throughout her journey, she has produced compelling projects for major networks such as ABC, MTV, Sony, A&E, CNN, and Lifetime, showcasing her immense talent and dedication to storytelling.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Karen finds joy in skiing with her family, honing her culinary skills, and savoring the delectable dishes she prepares.
