With the signing of director Michael LaBellarte for its new production division, Utopic now has everything it needs under one roof to affirm itself as a full-service hybrid media company.
“With the addition of Michael, we’ve rounded out our integrated content, production, post and all things web,” says Utopic’s executive producer/partner Michael Antonucci, who is also in charge of the company’s new production division.
The number of directors for the production division is expected to grow rapidly. “A search is actively underway for three additional directors to round out our production division by the end of the year,” Antonucci says.
“We have a good amount of business that we look to develop with an offering of directorial talent.”
Since signing with Utopic, LaBellarte has directed two Nintendo spots and interactive content for Leo Burnett, a long-time client of his dating back to career as an in-demand editor.
His current project is prepping a six-spot package for WeatherTech custom floor mats, via River North creative agency Elevator.
LaBellarte is an excellent fit with Utopic, says Antonucci. “He is one of those rare directors with a combination of creative filmmaking skills and knowledge of how to grow and sustain a production company.”
LaBellarte had been one of the city’s top spot editors who was transitioning into directing, when he ran Outsider, Inc., an innovative editing, design and production company from 2005 to 2009.
“We’re basing our business on software solutions, not hardware,” he said at the time.
After Outsider, Inc. close, LaBellarte directed for L.A.-based Altar Films.
Utopic is a blend of integrated digital experts formed in January, 2010 by former Optimus creative editors Jan Maitland and Tim Kloehn, former agency producer Antonucci and a merger with Shannon Kemp and Tony Passero’s TribeAgency.
The company occupies the entire 9,800-sq. ft. fourth floor, whose extensive walls are decorated with impressive contemporary art, of a former loft at 420 N. Wabash. Phone, 312/836-9000
