Mad River Post (MRP)/Dallas has signed editor Erik Johnson for exclusive spot representation. He joins a roster that consists of Sylvette Artinian and Quan Tran. Best known for his lengthy tenure at New York-headquartered Crew Cuts, Johnson most recently had a brief stint at Homestead Editorial, New York.
Jeb Schary, executive producer at MRP/Dallas, noted that Johnson’s comedy work complements the storytelling prowess of Artinian. Meanwhile Tran has made the transition from assistant editor to full fledged editor at MRP/Dallas.
Johnson started his post career at Crew Cuts, New York, as a messenger. He immediately took an interest in editing and took a proactive approach to learning about cutting. Several year later, Johnson moved over to the then Ian MacKenzie Editorial, New York. Johnson referred to Ian MacKenzie as “an amazing teacher. He gave me the confidence to deal with any editorial situation.”
During his four years there, Johnson edited spots for assorted clients, including Snickers, Crunch Gyms, Texaco and Visa. Crew Cuts took notice and offered Johnson a partnership in a new venture, Crew Cuts, San Francisco, which opened in the late 1990s. The Northern California shop gained momentum, with dot-com advertising and comedy on the rise in the market. But the SAG strike against the ad industry and the bursting of the dot-com bubble took its toll on Crew Cuts’ diversification into San Francisco. So Johnson moved back to Crew Cuts, New York, editing varied commercials for the likes of Perdue, Pepsi, AOL, Denny’s, Dr Pepper and British Airways.
Four years later, Johnson took a detour to Homestead. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife–who’s from Texas–decided to relocate to the Lone Star State. He noted that “the chance to help build a company [MRP/Dallas] has really revved up my enthusiasm for editing and advertising.”
Per the arrangement, Johnson is also available nationally through Mad River’s other operations in New York, Detroit, Santa Monica and San Francisco. Independent rep Fran Montoya of Montoya Reps, Dallas, handles sales for MRP/Dallas. James Appleton is president of the Dallas edit shop.
