Chesapeake Systems has acquired StorExcel, a systems integrator serving the Rocky Mountain region and U.S. federal government. The acquisition joins the mutual strengths of the media technology providers, extending their ability to offer turnkey asset management solutions and support. The combination of companies expands Chesapeake System’s services in the media and entertainment and government markets.
The union integrates StorExcel team members from bases in Colorado and Virginia with the existing Chesapeake teams (located in Baltimore, New York, Los Angeles, DC-metro), strengthening core competencies and service offerings. The two companies pride themselves on being consultative in nature and adding value to the highly complex decision-making process involved with asset management and media workflow design and implementation.
“Chesapeake Systems and StorExcel have substantial synergies that make this acquisition a win-win for both companies and, importantly, will drive value to our partners and customers,” said Jason Paquin, CEO of Chesapeake Systems. “StorExcel brings a strong regional market presence to the fold at Chesapeake and builds on our services to the government sector.”
StorExcel was founded in Denver, Colo., in 2013 by Lance Hukill, along with a core team of sales and technical experts. Embracing digital media technology from its inception, the company has grown to be an industry leader in media asset management and storage platform integration for postproduction, broadcast, sports, churches, and the U.S. government.
Hukill, who now serves as VP of sales for Chesapeake, notes that the combined entity extends and scales the reputable expertise of both organizations. “This acquisition provides a huge opportunity for us to access new vertical and geographic markets, new products, and new offices while maintaining our core brand culture that our customers know and love.”
Paquin added, “Together, we strengthen all cross functions of our teams from sales to solution architecture as well as support and delivery services. This is an exciting growth step for Chesapeake Systems, especially as we navigate the new future for our customers who are pivoting to accommodate a forever-changed business environment.”
Rom-Com Mainstay Hugh Grant Shifts To The Dark Side and He’s Never Been Happier
After some difficulties connecting to a Zoom, Hugh Grant eventually opts to just phone instead.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Tech hell." Grant is no lover of technology. Smart phones, for example, he calls the "devil's tinderbox."
"I think they're killing us. I hate them," he says. "I go on long holidays from them, three or four days at at time. Marvelous."
Hell, and our proximity to it, is a not unrelated topic to Grant's new film, "Heretic." In it, two young Mormon missionaries (Chloe East, Sophie Thatcher) come knocking on a door they'll soon regret visiting. They're welcomed in by Mr. Reed (Grant), an initially charming man who tests their faith in theological debate, and then, in much worse things.
After decades in romantic comedies, Grant has spent the last few years playing narcissists, weirdos and murders, often to the greatest acclaim of his career. But in "Heretic," a horror thriller from A24, Grant's turn to the dark side reaches a new extreme. The actor who once charmingly stammered in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and who danced to the Pointer Sisters in "Love Actually" is now doing heinous things to young people in a basement.
"It was a challenge," Grant says. "I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you've climbed a mountain. He was just so wonderfully (expletive)-up."
"Heretic," which opens in theaters Friday, is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-writers of "A Quiet Place." In Grant's hands, Mr. Reed is a divinely good baddie — a scholarly creep whose wry monologues pull from a wide range of references, including, fittingly, Radiohead's "Creep."
In an interview, Grant spoke about these and other facets of his character, his journey... Read More