In the world of Chicago post-production, few names carry as much weight as Optimus. This powerhouse at 161 East Grand has spent decades helping brands, filmmakers, and agencies craft unforgettable stories, and in 2024, their work reached new heights.
Optimus is Reel Chicago’s Post House of the Year for its bold creativity, technical precision, and sheer variety of standout campaigns delivered this year.
Optimus’s year has been a masterclass in versatility, spanning everything from big-budget commercials to heartfelt documentaries and indie film collaborations. In advertising, they contributed their signature polish to some of the most memorable campaigns of the year.
Editor Tim Cahill brought comedic timing to life in General Mills’ Cereal Training Camp, starring the ever-charismatic Kelce brothers. The spot turned breakfast into a competitive sport, showcasing Optimus’s knack for blending humor with high-energy storytelling.
Then there was Mountain Time for Mountain Dew, edited by Jenny Shaye, which leaned into outdoor adventure with a playful edge. Featuring the brand’s new character, “The Mountain Dude,” the campaign redefined what it means to embrace life in the great outdoors.
Meanwhile, Life Happens Between Sips, created in collaboration with VML Seattle for Dasani, offered a touching portrayal of life’s quiet moments. Editor Angelo Valencia brought this campaign to life with visuals that resonated deeply with viewers, proving Optimus’s ability to handle both humor and heart with equal finesse.
But it wasn’t just the storytelling that stood out—Optimus editor Colin Loughlin made a splash in entertainment and pop culture with quirky, energetic campaigns like Burger King’s Spider-Verse Whopper spot and editor (and REEL Woman) Ariana De Simone did the same for Taco John’s Better Is What We Do campaign.
Their collaboration with Golin on McDonald’s Burgercuda brought the Hamburglar’s newest ride to life in a fast-paced and fun campaign.
And in the spirits category, their work with FCB Chicago on Jack Daniel’s Cheers to Tennessee Whiskey campaign offered a modern twist on a classic brand, with visuals that felt as rich and smooth as the product itself.
Optimus also took on ambitious storytelling challenges in 2024. Their work on Untapped: Closing America’s Opportunity Gap, a Netflix documentary produced by Workday and LeBron James’s SpringHill, shined a light on the inequities in the workforce and the potential of skills-based hiring.
Edited by Ben Winter, Jenny Shaye and Caralyn Moore, this moving film explored the lives of six young adults navigating the Year Up United program, offering an inspiring look at opportunity and resilience.
On the scripted side, Optimus was instrumental in bringing compelling Chicago-based stories to the screen. Angelo Valencia’s editing on Devonte, a gripping film about a controversial quarterback’s return to his hometown, highlighted the weight of familial and social expectations. The film’s intimate exploration of identity and community wouldn’t have had the same impact without Optimus’s deft touch.
Newcomer Caralyn Moore’s work on LL Happy Families, a dysfunctional family comedy starring Josh Radnor and Becky Ann Baker, showed the studio’s ability to shift gears effortlessly between drama and humor.
Optimus’s dedication to craft extends beyond the commercial world. This year, the studio played an integral role in championing underrepresented voices in filmmaking. Through their partnership with Cinema Femme and involvement in the Cinema Femme Short Film Fest, Optimus helped elevate emerging women and underrepresented filmmakers. Joanna Woods, an Executive Producer at Optimus, moderated a post-production panel, offering insights and mentorship to the next generation of talent.
While so many amazing projects happened for Optimus, they were rocked by a devastating loss this year. Editor Mike Berg passed away leaving his longtime partner Claire Smalley, who works as a post-producer at Optimus and his two daughters, Elsa, 17 and Sadie, 15.
Optimus paid tribute on social media for the loss of a dear friend and exceptional person, who touched so may lives. Those who knew him were in shock, and responded with love and condolences.
“Mike was a talented Editor, and an even better person. He was thoughtful, sincere and fun, and his dry wit and smarts were unmatched. Mike was a kind and loyal friend and co-worker, and a curious observer of those around him. Mike looked at the world differently, to the betterment of all whose lives he touched, and we will forever be grateful to have known him, laughed with him and loved him.” — OPTIMUS
While Optimus thrives on collaboration, its work also reflects a singular vision: to make every frame count. Whether it’s the humor of Cereal Training Camp, the cinematic quality of Devonte, or the emotional resonance of Dasani: Life Happens Between Sips, their projects stand out for their precision, storytelling, and ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.
For their extraordinary range of work, their ability to make every project shine, and their commitment to advancing the art of storytelling, Optimus is Reel Chicago’s Post House of the Year. In 2024, they didn’t just shape ads and films—they shaped conversations, emotions, and the creative landscape of Chicago and beyond.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360 News and Reel Chicago. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on X at @colinthewriter1
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