Mixer John Bolen and Executive Producer Lauren Cascio Are First New Hires At Formosa's Commercial Division

Formosa Group has launched Formosa Villa, its new commercial and branded-entertainment division, at the former POP Sound location in Santa Monica.

Mixer John Bolen and executive producer Lauren Cascio, formerly of Santa Monica's Play Studios, have been hired to work out of the newly renovated 17,000-square-foot facility.

"We are thrilled to continue our growth and expansion, and honored to welcome such a singular talent as John Bolen along with his valued team," said Formosa Group President and COO Robert C. Rosenthal in a prepared statement.

POP Sound was shuttered in mid-2014 by its owner, Empire Investment Holdings, following the bankruptcy of Soundelux. Formosa Group was formed in 2013 by its parent company Picture Head, with headquarters at The Lot in West Hollywood and locations elsewhere in West Hollywood, West L.A. and Burbank.