CHICAGO — Audio production industry pros Greg Allan, David Kaplan and Mindy Verson have partnered to launch Stir Post Audio (@STIRpost), a new full service audio post and sound design operation with two locations in Chicago — 445 East Ohio St. and 200 N. Dearborn St. The venture will cater to ad agency and film clients, offering a choice of three rooms spread across its two locations in Streeterville and the Theatre District.
Allan, Kaplan and Verson all share deep roots in the global ad and film industry. Allan is also the CEO and creative director of Sonixphere, a global resource for music and sound he launched in 2011. Kaplan and Verson have been partners in APG for the past 10 years. At Stir Post Audio, Kaplan and Verson will commute between both locations as executive producers, while Allan will steer business development.
The Streeterville location spans 3,400 square feet on the 27th floor and features two studios decorated in mid-century modern style. In addition to sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, the facility has a full kitchen and balcony.
WATCH A TIMELAPSE VIDEO OF THE CONSTRUCTION
Architect and acoustician John Storyk, of the Walters-Storyk Design Group, designed the new facility, which offers 5.1 surround capabilities, as well as stereo and TV/laptop speaker simulation. A 55-inch 3D HDTV can be used for monitoring visuals. The studio is home to a large mic collection and two recording booths. ISDN and phone patch capabilities are also offered, as is a vast sound effects library.
LA-based engineer/mixer/sound designer Amber Tisue, has been recruited to helm the console in Studio A. Audio Producers Group head engineer/mixer/sound designer Peter Erazmus will commandeer the console at the Theatre District location. The partners are currently scouting a third engineer for Studio B at the Streeterville location.
In addition to having access to engineers, mixers and sound designers, clients will also have the option of bundling music through Allan’s sonic content company, Sonixphere.
“The three of us got together to fill a need in the marketplace that offers clients more choices and flexibility in terms of where, when and with whom they want to work,” says Allan. “There’s also been uptick in interest in streamlining the entire audio process by offering bundling. We’re also raising the creative bar in this town by bringing in Amber Tisue, who is immensely talented, a pleasure to work with, and someone who hears things differently than any other mixers in town. It was hard to get her to pick her life up and move it to Chicago, but she saw an opportunity to become part of this new collaboration and we’re thrilled to introduce her to the creatives here in town.”