Industry veteran Bob Coleman, whose career in production and post has spanned almost 30 years, has joined Sony Electronics as VP of production and postproduction systems for its broadcast and professional company (BPC). He will be based at the companys Los Angeles office.
Previously, Coleman ran Digital Artists Agency, an L.A. shop he founded last summer to represent digital imaging artists. Coleman reported that DAA continues to exist, although with his new post at Sony he will be stepping back from the day to day operations and reorganizing the venture.
At press time, Coleman was interviewing individuals to take over the agency. Coleman intends to retain a minor interest in the business.
Before DAA was created, Coleman was president of Hollywood-based 525 Post Production (now 525 Studios, Santa Monica and Hollywood), a facility under the Virgin Digital Studios umbrella. He additionally served as acting managing director for Virgin Television de Mexico in Mexico City. Prior to 525, Coleman was at Encore Video, Hollywood and Santa Monica, which he joined in 1994 as VP/executive producer.
In his new role, Coleman will head up marketing for Sonys editing, production and postproduction products, responsible for such markets as broadcasting, post, business, industrial and commercial programming. My responsibility is to continue Sonys existing position and hopefully improve position in the postproduction market, Coleman said, citing nonlinear editing as a product area that he would like to grow.
As for DAA, he emphasized, The concept is sound. … More awareness needs to be created. It was clear that it would take two years to build. Im confident at some point in time, DAA will get investment capital to expand.
With DAA I wanted to make a contribution to the industry, this position affords me that opportunity, he said of his new arrangement with Sony. The convergence of computer technology and video, the advent of high definition production and postproduction, and finally the notion of nonlinear technologies and interfaces, require innovative thinking from all sides.
Bob is a pioneer in the application of digital technology to the postproduction marketplace, said Anthony Gargano, senior VP of BPCs communications systems division. He is an insider-someone whose leadership and experience can help Sony best meet the needs of the production community.
Earlier in Colemans career, he was VP/general manager of Skywalker Sound South (which now resides solely in San Rafael). He also held various executive and marketing posts in Chicago, both at Optimus and now-defunct Editel/Chicago. He began his career at Victor Duncan, Chicago.
Coleman has also contributed to the industry as an active member of ITS. He served as executive VP of the Southern California chapter, and chaired five International Monitor Awards.
