Bennett Grossman, a prominent member of Chicago’s video production community, passed away on Friday, January 17th from complications related to cancer. He was 73.
The native Chicagoan and Columbia College graduate’s diverse career began when he started working at Israel’s first public television station. It would eventually include Windy City networks and companies like CBS Channel 2, Roscor, Think Tank, IPA, and Novel Ventures.
In 2012, as GM and Executive Producer of Space Stage Studios, Grossman helped build and open a 23,000-sq. ft. production studio with an 18,000 -sq. ft. enclosed brick courtyard area at 1844 W. Hubbard St. Space Stage Studios was a division of Phil Contursi’s 30-year old Production Productions lighting, camera, and gear camera rentals company.
The facility set a new standard for cutting edge studios in Chicago.
“It’s one of the largest two-wall cycs in the city,” Grossman told Reel Chicago, “and when it when it’s painted with chromakey green, it’s probably the biggest green screen in Chicago.”
In 2009, as General Manager and Executive Producer of Product Productions, he helped the company add a trio of vehicles to its production fleet, including a 40-ft. motor home whose shell was purchased and renovated and equipped in-house.
The trucks were built and equipped at a cost of nearly $250,000 and served as, among other things, a versatile mobile home and honeywagon and a craft service truck that could also be used as a prop truck.
A life-long fan of Chicago sports, especially his beloved White Sox, Grossman is survived by his beloved sons Joshua (Susan) of Chicago and Ian (Aliza) of Boston and his grandchildren; Graham 11, Nash 2, and Meirav 9 months.
A creative and energetic producer and director, he will be remembered by his family, friends and collaborators for his warmth, humor, and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope For Haiti.
Source: Legacy.com, Reel Chicago.
Top photo: Bennett Grossman
