NEW YORK CITY – Chimney (www.chimneygroup.com), an independent content company specializing in film, television, commercials and digital media, has opened a new facility in New York City. The company was founded in Stockholm in 1995 and has 14 offices worldwide. For over 20 years, Chimney has been providing production and post for some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Ikea, Audi, H&M, Chanel, Nike, Suntrust, HP and UBS. Chimney was also the post partner for the feature films Chappaquiddick,
Her,
Atomic Blonde and
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Photo: L-R: Managing director Ed Rilli, CCO/lead VFX artist Sam O’Hare, CEO North America Marcelo Gandola and head of color Lez Rudge
“Launching in New York is a benchmark long in the making, and the ultimate expression of our philosophy of ‘boutique thinking with global power,’” says Henric Larsson, Chimney founder and COO. “Having a meaningful presence in all of the world’s economic centers with diverse cultural perspectives means we can create and execute at the highest level in partnership with our clients.”
The New York opening supports Chimney’s mission to connect its global talent and resources, effectively operating as a 24-hour, full-service content partner, no matter where clients are in the world. The company has signed on several industry vets to spearhead the New York office. Leading the US presence is Marcelo Gandola, CEO North America, who brings extensive strategic operations and management experience for some of the industry’s most well-known companies. Gandola’s former experience includes chief operations officer at Harbor Picture Company; executive VP at Hogarth; SVP of creative services at Deluxe Entertainment Services Group; and VP of operations at Company 3.
“Marcelo has a proven track record of building and growing businesses in rapidly-evolving and often turbulent industries,” says Larsson. “Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset and strong leadership instinct is necessary to lead our teams. Marcelo has a vision, which is key to establishing, but also growing Chimney in North America.”
Award-winning colorist and director Lez Rudge serves as Chimney’s head of color, North America. As a former partner and senior colorist at Nice Shoes in New York, he is highly regarded as a major player in the industry for his artistic talent and proven success collaborating with some of the world’s top agencies, directors and DPs. He has worked alongside the likes of Spike Lee and Darren Aronofsky, and on major brand campaigns for Maybelline, Revlon, NHL, Jeep, Humira, Spectrum and Budweiser.
Managing director Ed Rilli will spearhead the day-to-day logistics of the New York office. As the former head of production of Nice Shoes, he has produced major campaigns for such brands as NFL, Ford, Jagermeister and Chase.
Sam O’Hare, chief creative officer and lead VFX artist, will oversee the entire VFX team. He brings experience in live-action directing, VFX supervision, still photography, and architecture, and is a highly sought-after artist for photorealistic CGI production.
In addition, Chimney has brought on cinematographer and colorist Vincent Taylor, who joins from MPC Shanghai, where he worked with brands, such as Coca-Cola, Porsche, New Balance, Airbnb, BMW, Nike, and L'Oréal, among many others.
The 6,000-square-foot office will feature DaVinci Resolve color rooms, Autodesk Flame suites and a robust VFX bullpen. It is also home to multiple edit rooms, a DI theater, and a Dolby Atmos mix stage via a joint venture with Gigantic Studios.