JASON ROSIN, former Local 600 business manager, starts his new job Jan. 23 as business manager of IA Studio Mechanics Local 491, with a membership of 550.
Rosin will headquarter in Wilmington, N.C. and cover North and South Carolina, mostly in the film-busy cities of Wilmington, Charlotte and Charleston, and Savannah, Ga.
Rosin, who was appointed, replaces Ben Adams, moved up to the IA’s rep in Florida. Interestingly, Adams and Rosin got to know each other when Adams worked as a DP in Detroit. He also served as Local 600’s Central Regional Council and as an alternate to its National Executive Board.
Rosin was with 600 for five years until he resigned last September to the dismay of many members who felt he had done an outstanding job in increasing jobs for the membership.
MIDWEST MEDIA GROUP HAS MOVED its headquarters for sales, engineering and technical support to an expanded 8,000-sq. ft. building in Arlington Heights. The move from small space in Schaumburg was in anticipation of continued growth, having enjoyed double-digit growth every year.
MWMG, employing 22, will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. New address is 135 E. Algonquin Road, phone: 847/ 228-5588. See www.mwmg.com.
SALES REPS Marci Miles and Kristina “KK” Kovacevic teamed up under the Reelize, the rep firm formed by Miles four years ago. Miles is a former major agency producer and Kovacevic owned her own rep firm.
FOUR OF THE FIVE DGA NOMINEES for the 2005 best director awards arefrom the same company — bicoastal/international MJZ. They are Craig Gillespie, Spike Jonze, Rocky Morton and Rupert Sanders, who was nominated for spots he helmed while at MJZ and at the now-defunct Omaha Pictures. Fifth nominee Noam Murro of L.A.’s Biscuit Filmworks was DGA’s 2004 best director.
The combined Reelize roster includes Rhythm + Hues (live action and CGI), Curious Pictures, Mirror, Playroom, Red Rover, Picasso, Yu +Co and JSM Music. Phone, 312/222-1300; see www.reelize.com.
WE HEAR ? that Joe Swiderski bought the Swiderski Electronics name back from last year’s bankrupcty action and will operate as an engineering consultancy under that name in Mt. Prospect … Recent IFO addition Megan Vidis is calling on ad agencies to introduce them to the benefits of the Illinois wage tax credit.
A WARM WELCOME BACK to Local 476’s business manager, Paul Oddo. He’s resumed the reins of the union after more than a year recovering from a stroke. Oddo was stricken in November, 2004 while on a routine sales call in L.A. Local 476 president Mark Hogan did a terrific job subbing for Oddo while also serving as president.
BIG ANNIVERSARY COMING UP this year for Sound Video Impressions of Des Plaines. “We’re going into our 30th year,” said founder Bill Holtane, partner with Paul Snead, “and we’ve never been busier!” At 30, Sound Video is one of perhaps 10 companies who’ve hit the quarter-century and long mark in business.
THE AGENCY BEAT ? Who’s new: Abelson-Taylor added senior copywriter James Gillespie from Topin & Associates, and senior art director Jason Lang, from Jacobs Agency ? John Condon steps up in March from group CD to Leo Burnett’s chief creative officer. He succeeds Cheryl Berman, who continues as U.S. chairman.
What’s new: Leo Burnett won the $100 million Washington Mutual account, which helps offset the $200 million Army loss ? Lou Beres added new account Bay Furniture ? Bombay Co. home accessories chain, and Culligan water company are Euro RSCG’s new business … Not so lucky were JWT and FCB as Kraft moved products from both agencies to a single New York agency, Mcgarrybowen.
SHIRLEY HAMILTON starts the new year with a staff expansion. Newest, and sixth agent is Danielle Fotsch, formerly with O’Connor Casting and Arlene Wilson.
“HOOP DREAMS,” Kartemquin’s 1994 classic doc, was among the 25 movies chosen from among 1,000 for the National Film Registry’s compilation of films since 1933 being preserved by the Library of Congress. These are films that have cultural, historical or aesthetic significance, according to an L of C official who made the selection.
ACTOR MICHAEL CLARKE DUNCAN (“The Green Mile,” “Daredevil,” and upcoming “School for Scoundrels”) will be honored at the DuSable Museum’s annual “Night of 100 Stars” gala Feb. 18.
