Optimus and ONE, a leading production and post-production house located in Chicago and New York, have signed Sarah Gitersonke of SG+Reps as their new Midwest sales rep.
Gitersonke brings a wealth of experience to the role, landing in the Chicago market in 2006 she rose swiftly through the ranks from Intern to Executive Producer at digital agency / production company, AKA MEDIA INC (now AKA Partners). Along the way she produced hundreds of pieces of digital content including celebrity activations, webisodes, broadcast PSAs and live streaming events for brands such as Ace Hardware, Kraft Foods, Head & Shoulders and Snickers, collaborating with Chicago’s leading PR firms along the way.
After a decade producing, Gitersonke launched SG+Reps in 2017; an indie representation firm with a keen focus on minority-owned companies and truly diverse talent.
“I decided to open SG+ Reps to focus on women and diverse talent in the industry, as a dozen years on set showed me that the lack of representation was blinding,” said Gitersonke. “Nearly eight years later and I’m proud to say that half of my companies are either woman or minority owned.”
Gitersonke is now a Midwest staple for advertising agencies and brands, operating as a trusted “go-to” for production and post-production matchmaking and problem solving that continues to push creative boundaries.
“Sarah is super sharp, approachable and so kind,” said Brian Hrastar, Optimus EP/Managing Director. “She is just the engaged, respected and motivated professional we were looking for to help us make leaps in new client connections and strengthen our existing ones.”
Gitersonke will be representing Optimus’ full line of creative capabilities, from Editorial, Design/VFX and Live Action Production (ONE at Optimus) to Mix, Color and Finish.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Sarah – she has the right energy and work ethic to be a huge asset for our directors and production company,” said Dave Buehrle, One at Optimus Executive Producer. “And I love that she advocates for diversity in our industry.”
“There are a lot of shifts happening within the industry, and it’s the perfect time to add Optimus / ONE to the SG+ Reps family,” says Gitersonke. “Optimus has been a leader in the Chicago post-production scene for more than three decades, so they have the creative chops agencies want, experience clients need, and fresh talent to excite creatives.”
“We’re excited to see how Sarah helps us grow new partnerships in editorial, motion graphics and visual effects.” said Tracy Spera, Optimus Executive Producer. “She’s the right fit to help us showcase the vast array of talent that we have at Optimus.”
Hailing from Mokena, IL, Sarah received her B.S. in PR and Marketing Southern Illinois University which made her well suited to rise within the digital and experiential production realm of the advertising industry. In her downtime Sarah may be found beachgoing, hiking or on a ski slope. She also enjoys reading, dancing and just hanging with her three daughters ages 10, 7 and 3.
“Working closely with our EP team we are confident our partnership with Sarah will create many new opportunities,” said Tom Duff, Optimus President. “Sarah has the expertise and natural ability to connect people and projects together.”
ALSO READ:
Creative leader Ryan Dunn launches Chicago-based studio
