After decades in Chicago as one of the foremost table top companies in the US, Big Deahl Productions’ has merged its Chicago studio into Resolution Productions Group (RPG), in anticipation of the owners move to Los Angeles.
The announcement was made by Big Deahl co-owner/executive producer Rosemary Deahl, co-owner/director David Deahl and Jeff Facklis, Resolution owner/EVP.
The joint venture complements and fulfills the needs of both parties. Big Deahl will retain a facility here and, through Resolution’s resources, become vertically integrated in production and post, “to offer our clients a broad spectrum of services,” says David Deahl.
Resolution will now offer its clientele Big Deahl’s talent and large rental inventory of lighting and grip equipment. “Our new association with these talented people makes us a vertical creative services powerhouse,” Facklis declares.
Resolution elevates its studio offerings
“This new alliance with Big Deahl will provide us with access to two incredible directors that definitely will be advantageous to future projects.”
By combining the equipment of the two companies, he continues, “We have definitely elevated our studio offerings and also have, for the first time, in-house motion control capabilities. The opportunity to work with such top notch directors will be a great new asset for our creative team.”
Negotiations between Big Deahl and Resolution began last March when the Deahls, whose two children are grown, made the decision to start a new chapter of their lives and careers in California.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Big Deahl has thrived in Chicago since 1973. “The Midwest market remains as vibrant today as it ever was,” notes Rosemary Deahl. “We believe that with our new relationship with Resolution, our new and improved service offerings will become even more attractive to our diverse group of clients.”
Deahls making LA their permanent residence
The Deahls will move to LA at the end of the year. David Deahl will continue his acclaimed directing for clients at a studio in LA to be determined.
The Deahls see working in LA as an opportunity that will expand their unique blend of tabletop and live action, a combination that often requires the skills of two directors.
Deahl tabletop specialist Todd Klein joined Big Deahl in 2013, when Silent Partner, the tabletop company he co-founded, closed after 22 years of business.
Earlier in 2013, Marty Rhomberg, owner of Northern Light & Power, moved his grip and electric gear into the Deahl’s studio.
The Deahls will be leaving their 120,000-sq. ft. facility, a former warehouse they purchased for $6 million in 1996, that encompasses almost an entire west-end block on the North-Clybourn corridor.
New property owners, Structured Development LLC, will tear down the building and an expected retail complex will be built on the former studio site.
