Celebrating 20 years in digital finishing, restoration and postproduction solutions for the global entertainment industry, illuminate has named media veteran Tal Fiala as its president. The announcement was made by CEO Jim Hardy.
Throughout his career, Fiala has tapped a keen ability to spot trends, expand revenues, motivate teams and cultivate long-lasting client relationships. He has generated new business and improved productivity by collaborating with such major brands as HBO, Amazon, Netflix and Hulu, and with studio and TV network executives. Fiala has also negotiated both budgets and sales contracts for postproduction services with Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Disney and DreamWorks.
“As we look ahead [at illuminate],” said Fiala, “we’re focused on expanding our creative services to accommodate an increase in content production across multiple platforms, as well as to maintain our unique ability to help our clients monetize untapped library assets through leading-edge restoration technology.”
Before joining illuminate, Fiala was sr. VP of business development for Modern VideoFilm, where he secured millions of dollars in revenue for the company’s features, television and distribution areas by tapping his extensive relationships with key studio and TV network executives. His ability to implement and direct several profitable initiatives helped expand Modern VideoFilm both domestically and internationally, giving the company footprints in New York City, Santa Monica, New Orleans and China.
As VP of sales for Ascent Media (a Liberty Media company) from 2003 to 2007, Fiala successfully generated new revenues by identifying unique opportunities and clients in adjacent markets. He also increased sales by improving client relations and establishing a solid referral network.
Also a talented finance professional, Fiala served as financial advisor for UBS Paine Webber from 2000 to 2003, during which he managed a portfolio of $10+ million in assets with a yearly increase of 25% and consistently maintained status as top nationally producing broker within his defined peer group. Fiala further boosted company sales by developing and executing special marketing events.
Lineup Of Jury Presidents Set For 2025 D&AD Awards; Creator Category Launched
The D&AD Awards competition for 2025 has set its lineup of jury presidents and launched a Creator Content category.
The 2025 Jury presidents are a global mix of leading creative experts from international brands and agencies including TikTok, Saatchi & Saatchi, The New York Times Magazine, VML, Framestore, Common People Films, Ogilvy Health, and Publicis Groupe Germany.
Here’s a category-by-category rundown of jury presidents for D&AD Awards 2025:
Animation: Melody Sylvester, global managing director & EP commercials, Common People Films
Art Direction: Saulo Rocha, chief creative officer, DAVID Madrid
Book Design: Johanna Neurath, chair, Thames & Hudson Publishing Ltd.
New Brand Identity: Johanna Roca, creative venture partner, Accept & Proceed
Brand Identity Refresh: Frederico Gelli, founder & CEO, Tátil Design
Casting: Selma Nicholls, casting director, Looks Like Me Casting
Cinematography: Sally Campbell, co-founder & CEO, Somesuch
Commerce: Ben Coulson, chief creative officer ANZ, Dentsu Creative
Creator Content: Karl Haddad, head of Global Creative Lab, TikTok
Digital Marketing: Marco Giannelli (Pernil), chief creative officer, AlmapBBDO
Digital Design: Akae Wang, head of creative, Banana Balloon
Direct: Stéphane Xiberras, president & chief creative officer, BETC, head of Havas Global Creative Council
Direction: Justyna Obasi, director, Lovesong/Anorak
Editing: Fouad Gaber, editor; Cabin Edit
Entertainment: Debbi Vandeven, global chief creative officer, VML
Experiential: Activation & Experience: Dennis May, chief creative officer, Publicis Groupe Germany
Film: Pelle Sjoenell,... Read More