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.
A “Wicked” Welcome From The National Board of Review
Days after "Wicked" went home from the Golden Globes with a single award for box office achievement, the National Board of Review Awards held space for the smash hit musical, celebrating its cast and director in the New York group's annual gala Tuesday. The untelevised but starry NBR Awards were a chance for many of the nominees who didn't win Sunday to trot out their would-be acceptance speeches, including Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman. Accepting the award for best actress for her performance in the erotic thriller "Babygirl," Kidman celebrated by chugging a glass of milk, a nod to some of the film's kinky sex games. After finishing, Kidman triumphantly announced "Good girl!" and left the stage. It also was an opportunity for some jabs at the Globes. "Isn't this room just a little bit classier than the Beverly Hilton?" quipped presenter Christine Baranski, looking around the elegant marble-columned midtown venue, Cipriani's. Others were less impressed by the old-school New York vibe. "The bathroom attendant, that shouldn't exist anymore," Kieran Culkin said during a typically free-form acceptance speech for best supporting actor for his role in "A Real Pain." The night belonged to Jon M. Chu's "Wicked." The musical was the board's pick for best film, best director for Chu and a special award for the creative collaboration of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The two, in back-and-forth remarks, continued their mutual praise of each other. "Also you're welcome," added Grande. "I truly think you would have murdered anyone else." "Probably true," responded Erivo. Chu, who was introduced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, used the moment to reflect on his yearslong journey with "Wicked," which will be followed by an already-shot part two due out this... Read More