Pixel Brothers’ partners Mike Torchia and Dave Moravec must feel like Mark Twain who once famously stated, “The report of my death is greatly exaggerated.”
Despite the fallout from the considerable loss from NBC Universal moving Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos’ syndicated shows to Connecticut, and partner Andrew Ryann’s recent departure, Torchia and Moravec picked up the pieces and are forging ahead.
One recent change, however, was director/DP Ryann’s departure in December to start his own production company, Photo Media, although he continues to own shares in the six-year old company.
“Andy was excellent, but he felt he needed to go into a different direction than we were headed,” said Moravec, adding they wish him the best. “But his leaving was better for him and better for Pixel Brothers as we move forward.” Ryann did not return the Reel’s phone calls.
Losing the business unexpectedly and beyond their control, compounded by a recession was a tough blow for the founders. Now six months since the shows’ exit, Moravec feels the worst is over.
“We are optimistic” about the company’s future, he said. “We’ve gone back to our core business of commercials, long format and corporate work and we are very good at that.”
He added that new business coming from TV shows is also keeping them busy.
