Larry Birstock has been appointed general manager of Universal Studios Digital Services, the on-lot picture postproduction group. In this newly created position, Birstock will oversee the facility’s operations, administration and sales activities.
Birstock’s career has spanned senior executive positions at leading post companies such as Post Logic, Technicolor and Deluxe. In these leadership roles, he has been responsible for growing established post facilities and launching new companies in the U.S., U.K. and India.
“Larry’s depth of experience is a great addition to our skilled team,” said Michael Daruty, sr. VP, Technical Operations. “He has a tremendous track record of success with both the creative and technical aspects of postproduction.”
Universal Studios Digital Services, a unit of NBCUniversal, offers film scanning, color correction, digital intermediates, DCP creation, editing, digital restoration, video duplication & conversion, digital effects, quality control and video encoding services for independent projects, television, features and trailers. The facility is also responsible for the preservation and restoration of the Universal film library and plays a central role in the Studios’ Centennial project. This project involves the extensive restoration of 100 of the studio’s most beloved titles such as To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on The Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa, Frankenstein and Jaws.
Directors Amy+Pilar and Jose Antonio Prat Join Reform School
Boutique content production company Reform has added comedy directing duo Amy+Pilar (Amy York Rubin and Pilar Boehm) and award-winning multicultural director Jose Antonio Prat to its roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded entertainment.
Partners in both life and art, Amy+Pilar are know for their sharp wit and comedic timing. Their synchronicity is evident in a body of work across TV, film and commercials. Prior to joining Reform School, Amy+Pilar had been repped in the ad market by production company Knucklehead.
Amy has directed high-profile comedy sketches featuring stars like Amy Schumer, Kate McKinnon, and Sarah Silverman. On the episodic front, Amy has helmed for series such as Fresh Off the Boat, Casual, Superstore and Angie Tribeca--as well as the pilot for the hit Netflix comedy Dead to Me.
Before joining forces with Amy behind the camera, Pilar was a psychotherapist, a background that informs her ability to create fascinating characters and stage irresistible, nuanced performances. Amy and Pilar’s shared passion for comedy brought them together. Their collaboration began with a Synchrony Bank campaign, starring cult-comedy favorite Maribeth Monroe (Workaholics), and they went on to direct the pilot of the Hulu series Love, Victor. Amy+Pilar’s ad fare also includes spots for Uber’s “Go-Get” campaign and “Shift,” starring Martin Starr.
“We have been fans of Amy and Pilar for a long time,” said Ryan Ennis, executive director at Reform School. “They excel at capturing comedic performances and dialogue. Coming from the TV and L.A. comedy scenes, they’ve built a strong following and collaborated with some of our favorite funny people.... Read More