Hybrid production and post studio Odd Machine has ratcheted up its offerings with the addition of Executive Producer Tom Leonard.
Press Release from Odd Machine
Chicago, IL -- Hybrid production and post studio Odd Machine has ratcheted up its offerings with the addition of Executive Producer Tom Leonard. Tom Leonard brings extensive, multifaceted experience to his role at Odd Machine, a company that offers exemplary talent with creative integration.
Launched by industry notables to evolve the production model to include complete concept execution, Odd Machine offers directorial talent, edit, design, color grading and finish. The company has built compelling branded messages from online media to commercials and print for such clients as Elle Magazine, Wyndham Hotels, and Caterpillar. Elle entrusted Odd Machine to produce the cover story shoot with award-winning photographer Tom Munro and "Eat, Prey, Love" star Julia Roberts. For client Ameren, Odd Machine applied a whimsical, eye catching stop motion direction to a spot encouraging consumers to recycle inefficient appliances. www.theoddmachine.com
With 25 years' of experience in the advertising and entertainment business, Tom Leonard has worked at some of the most innovative companies in the industry, including Digital Kitchen, Rhythm & Hues, Pittard Sullivan, Dreamworks, Butler, Shine & Stern, and Imaginary Forces. Strategic, creative, and technically adept, Tom has served in many roles, and is aptly suited for the Executive Producer position. Over the years he has had the pleasure of working with numerous A list companies, and wonderfully creative people, including such notables as Wim Wenders, John Dykstra, Sam Raimi, Sean Penn, Peter Gabriel and Frank Oz.
"We first approached Tom to oversee production but found his strategic vision for Odd Machine to be completely in synch with everyone here and knew he was the right fit for Executive Producer," says Co-Founder Seth Henrikson. "Tom is totally genuine and one of the most experienced guys around, so we couldn't be happier."
"When I looked at the creative environment at Odd Machine, I saw strength in so many areas and a complete approach rarely offered in our industry," says Tom Leonard. "It's a great opportunity to help grow the company, and I am elated to be involved on this level, where I can really make a difference".
The Founding Machinists are Director/DP Seth Henrikson, Editor Chris Shegich and Colorist Debra Shegich. Seth, Chris and Debra are longtime collaborators on numerous commercial projects and the riveting gun control documentary "Goreville, USA," which won best picture at both Slamdance and the Hollywood Film Festival.
Drawn to storytelling and enhancing narrative though visual treatment, Seth Henrikson has directed commercials for such clients as Pepsi, JCPenny, Blue Cross and Wyndham Hotels. He has also directed and shot number of documentaries including the afore-mentioned "Goreville, USA," tapping his interest in capturing real world stories and experiences. Instrumental in launching production company Z Group and formerly represented by Go East Films and Radar, Seth approached Chris and Debra to build Odd Machine in 2008.
At Avenue Edit, Chris Shegich honed his editorial skills on spots for McDonalds, Oldsmobile, Coors Light, Gatorade, Sears, among others, for such directors as Joe Pytka, Tony Scott, and Marcus Nispell. He contributed his editorial talent to a PSA for the American Cancer Society that was honored by the AICP and is part of the permanent archive at the Museum of Modern Art. Chris views editing as the opportunity to shed new light on each concept, and usher the process though completion including sound design and sourcing music.
Debra Shegich has a longtime passion for color, which she has infused in beautiful and striking projects for Nike, Gatorade, Michelob, Minolta and MGD. At Avenue Edit for 14 years before joining Odd Machine, Debra loves the opportunity to interpret each project's vision though colors and contrast and the process of getting ideas to the digital canvas.
All of the Machinists have worked independently on projects but prefer a holistic approach and the opportunity to collaborate from concept through completion. It is with this methodology that Odd Machine has defined itself and found the whole to be truly a sum of its parts.
For more on the company, please visit: http://www.theoddmachine.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
