For Oscar Oboza, being named Optimus’ senior colorist means more than having a new position. It’ll be a homecoming for the Chicago native who has spent the last 13 years in Minneapolis and Dallas.
He joins Optimus Oct. 1, leading what Optimus president Tom Duff calls “one of the industry’s best color teams” — colorist Joel Signer, assistant Jeff Greco and colorist/data manager Ken Wald.
“We couldn’t think of anyone other than Oscar for this position,” says operations manager/partner Craig Leffel, a friend and colleague of 20 years.
“Oscar runs Baseline, so he’s familiar with our software. He’s an incredibly talented, classy guy, dedicated to making good pictures and servicing clients. He’s maintained his passion and good work ethics, and for a special place like Optimus, he’s a like-minded fit,” Leffel says.
Oboza’s connection with Leffel goes back to the late ‘80s at Cutters where they started their careers as colorist. Oboza had been hired as an intern while attending Loyola University in 1985. It didn’t take him long to change his focus from pre-med to studies akin to communications, when, he says, “when I got an idea of what I really wanted to do and realized I was in a great situation at Cutters.”
He was with Cutters until 1999 when he was lured to Minneapolis by Hi Wire in 1999, working there until the post house closed in 2006.
Filmworkers Dallas was his next stop for a year; he returned to the Twin Cities to join Pixel Farm where he was lead colorist for the past five years, working with colorists Dave Sweet and Josh Allard, who was promoted from assistant.
During his Minneapolis years, Oboza worked on commercials from major agencies, including JCPenney, Target, Best Buy, Payless Shoes, General Mills, Barbie, Minnesota Lottery, Kmart and Subaru.
He was colorist of choice for Minneapolis director Phil Harder’s many music videos, including those for Liz Phair, The Roots, Atmosphere, Low and Polica.
Coming home and joining Optimus, “where everyone has a passion and pride for what they’re doing and the sense of being part of a big family,” is very fulfilling, Oboza says.
Says Duff, “Oscar is in the prime of his career with a proven track record as one of the top five colorists in the country. He’ll impress our clients with his talents, maturity and room presence.”
Oboza replaces Tyler Roth, who recently moved to The Beast.
