Dictionary Films, Cutters’ production arm which went gangbusters in 2012, is headed for a bigger spot in the galaxy of production houses with the addition of one of advertising’s best known and respected production executives.
Chris Rossiter, who capped a 26 year career at Leo Burnett as EVP/director of production since 2005 — joins Dictionary as managing director March 1.
Rossiter’s new role coincides with Cutters stated goal of “significantly expanding the company with the best talent to do the best work,” says Cutters executive producer Craig Duncan. “Chris is someone with a big vision and he will help us attract stronger, higher-end talent into the entire operation.”
Rossiter says that when he was at Burnett he took pride in helping other people grow their careers and his new role at Dictionary will provide that same opportunity.
“In the end, it’s all about great production, working with great talent and I’m most excited about that.”
Rossiter left Leo Burnett last June, where he had spent his entire career since graduating Indiana University in 1987. During last summer, he and his longtime friend Tim McGuire, Cutters’ president/CEO, frequently played golf and (naturally) talked business.
“The more Chris and I talked, it was clear to me that he was the right person to build Dictionary Films and take it to a new level,” McGuire says. They sealed their deal with a handshake two weeks ago.
Six year old Dictionary had record 2012 business
Dictionary, formed in 2009, has been helmed by executive producer Megan Maples, who retains that and position under Rossiter’s management. Maples had been recruited from producer at Cutters’ Sol Design, which she had joined three years earlier.
“Megan has been doing a great job,” McGuire adds, noting that she headed production last year on big jobs for Ford trucks, Sprint for Digital and Missouri Health Systems; a job for Craftsman Tools is upcoming.
Maples currently leads a team of consisting of staff director Jay Patton, producer Cody McGuire and a roster of five off-site directors.
The entire Cutters complex, consisting of editorial, Another Country sound, Sol Design & FX and Dictionary Films experienced a substantial business surge in 2012. The company currently employs 87 across its four branches, 65 in Chicago alone.
“Cutters as a whole is also looking for new opportunities, anticipating and understanding trends and how we can offer top notch creative solutions,” adds Cutters president/CEO Tim McGuire. “Chris will help us in our push to new heights.
