PARAGON, the next-gen shop for commercials, cine-docs, and brand content, is widening its creative footprint with a refreshed director lineup and the addition of Executive Producer Tom Leonard.
Founded by director Jack Linderman in 2020 and joined by Partner/Head of Production Jacob Nobbe in early 2025, the company was built on the belief that production should feel alive—pairing cinematic craft with community-rooted, resonant storytelling.
The expanded roster adds Christian Vergara, Marshall Burnette, Sha Collier, Brian Myers, Jon Correal, and Derek Hockemeyer, alongside PARAGON mainstays, to meet growing demand for work that’s both evergreen and hyper-current.
“Tom knows how to connect with people, build lasting partnerships, and open doors in new markets,” said Linderman. “With him on board, we’re doubling down on the human side of production at a time when the industry needs it most.”
Leonard brings deep agency and production pedigree with credits at Digital Kitchen, Rhythm & Hues, Butler Shine & Stern, Goodby, Imaginary Forces, Optimus, and Second City Works.
“When I saw their work, I was really impressed by the storytelling and care involved,” Leonard said. “Learning they’d been around only five years made the caliber even more striking. They have a vision—my role is helping bring it to life and adding layers with experience.”
Recent momentum includes “Playing in the Dark” from director Bailen Estrada, blending on-location capture with VFX and AI-generated transitions. The film has surpassed 200,000+ views on Instagram and earned a Frameset feature, exemplifying the studio’s hybrid craft-meets-innovation approach.
“We look for people who are the best at what they do and great to work with,” added Nobbe. “Our goal is to champion the next wave of directors—daring talents building their own brands and hungry to be part of something special.”
While the roster spans styles and perspectives, PARAGON’s north star is constant: process with heart. “When people think of PARAGON, we want them to remember how we made them feel—heard, cared for, part of the experience,” Linderman noted. “And we want them to connect us with creativity that feels fresh, engaging, and personal.”
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