Executive producer Lisa Masseur, who joined Optimus 16 months ago, was officially named executive producer/managing director of One at Optimus, the thriving production arm of the postproduction giant.
Her appointment follows the recent, surprise departure of Craig Leffel after 18 years with the company, who had been One at Optimus’ director of production for the past three years.
“Lisa is well positioned to nurture and grow our director roster and manage our ONE staff, and also be a collaborative conduit with our Optimus editorial, design, and post team,” says Tom Duff, Optimus president.
Called by Duff “a natural leader,” Masseur is a seasoned commercial production with more than 20 years experience focusing on commercials but with a background in features.
As EP/managing director, Masseur is in charge of a total staff of 18, including a roster of directors, some of whom she had helped tap for One at Optimus.
Her goals in her new position, she says, “are steering One in a broader direction by continuing to win more work and expanding our directorial roster. Our ability to package great directorial and editorial talent sets us apart in the industry.”
Primarily spot experience with a feature background
Masseur came to One at Optimus after freelancing for a couple of years following almost eight years as Radar Studios’ EP/managing director, overseeing all production, post, sales and marketing prior to joining Optimus.
Earlier, she was EP at Bob Ebel Productions and started her career as a freelance production assistant on features (“Groundhog Day” “Sleepless in Seattle”). She has a BA in TV and film production from Syracuse University.
“Lisa is incredibly respected in our community. From clients to peers to crews to vendors, we hear accolades on an almost daily basis,” Duff says. Words like ‘Oh my God, we love Lisa’ and ‘You are so lucky to have her,’ sum up our feelings as well.”
At the same time, Sarah Wien was promoted from senior producer at One at Optimus, to fill Masseur’s previous position. Earlier, she had worked on the post side of Optimus. She’s been with the company for seven years.
Gretchen Praeger is EP/managing director of Optimus Chicago and Therese Hunsberger holds that title in Optimus’ Santa Monica branch.
