LOS ANGELES — The Sim Group (www.simdigital.com), a supplier of production equipment and post production services, has reached an agreement to merge with Hollywood-based Chainsaw (www.chainsawedit.com), the independent post facilities that services such shows such as The Academy Awards and American Idol. The merger is expected to close next month.
The Sim Group has offices in the US, Canada and China. Its Bling Digital post division services a number of scripted television series. The merger with Chainsaw will allow SIM to expand its post resources and extend its reach into unscripted and live event television.
“Chainsaw’s robust services and diverse client base are very complementary to the services and clientele of Sim,” explains James Martin, chief strategy officer at The Sim Group. “Uniting these two great companies enhances our ability to offer true, end-to-end service packages to film and television producers.”
“As the newest member of The Sim Group, we see many opportunities to further our growth and better serve our clients,” adds Chainsaw founder, Bill DeRonde. “We are very excited to embark on this new chapter that will continue to allow us to offer the best possible product to our clients. We gain access to more resources and talent, as well as additional markets for our services.”
L-R: Bill DeRonde, Mike Polito, James Martin, Chris Parker
DeRonde founded Chainsaw in 1996, with co-owner Mike Polito joining him in 2000. Both are multiple Emmy Award-winning editors. The studio provides creative editorial, editorial finishing, color grading, visual effects and other services through fully-integrated, digital facilities in Hollywood. It also features a digital intermediate theater for feature film finishing and a large satellite facility with editorial systems and space available on a rental basis.
The Sim Group was founded by Rob Sim in 1982, and is comprised of three operating units: SIM Digital, Bling Digital and PS Production Services. With offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Atlanta, Halifax and Beijing, it services such shows as Fargo, Suits, Pacific Rim, Hell on Wheels and The Vampire Diaries.