Director Michael LaBellarte has signed with Utopic, an integrated digital media company based in Chicago. LaBellarte is the first director to come on board the newly launched production division for Utopic, which also includes post, audio, web, design, mobile and interactive services. Since his signing, LaBellarte has already wrapped two commercials and interactive content with Leo Burnett, Chicago, for Nintendo. Currently the director is preparing to shoot a six spot package with ad agency Elevator. LaBellarte and executive producer Michael Antonucci also have plans to build the Utopic roster by bringing on more directors.
A natural storyteller, LaBellarte’s longtime experience as an editor and graphic designer allows him to structure a story from beginning to end, with a creative approach that opens doors to impromptu inspiration.
LaBellarte began his directing career through Z Group Films in Venice, Calif., in 2006 and worked under the Altar Film banner in Los Angeles for six years prior to joining Utopic, relocating to be part of its production division.
He first established himself in the business as an editor, a career which began with staff positions at Edit Chicago and then Optimus. He became a founding partner of the former NuWorld in 1993, and then launched Outsider in ’00. He cut assorted notable spots, including European cinema ad “Transglobe” for Philip Morris brand L&M out of Leo Burnett, Chicago, which was nominated in ’06 for a Best of Chicago Association of Independent Creative Editors (AICE) Award.
“Transglobe” was also significant in that it was helmed by LaBellarte in late ’04, helping to rekindle his directorial ambitions, which dated back to college. Initially upon graduating, he broke into editing as a means to transition into directing, but he wound up enjoying cutting commercials a great deal and his career path detoured to the post arena for some 20 years. He then transitioned successfully into the director’s chair.
“The opening of the Utopic production division is a significant step forward in realizing our integrated content offering,” said Antonucci. “Michael is the perfect addition to the high level of creative talent that resides at Utopic.”
“A Complete Unknown,” “Wicked,” “Sing Sing,” “Baby Reindeer” Among Guild of Music Supervisors Award Winners
The Guild of Music Supervisors held its 15th annual awards ceremony on Sunday night (2/23) at the Wiltern Theatre in L.A., honoring the best achievements in music supervision and songwriting with feature category winners including “Wicked,” “A Complete Unknown,” “I Saw the TV Glow” and “Sing Sing.” Among the TV category winners were “Baby Reindeer,” “English Teacher” and “Agatha All Along.”
Stephen Schwartz was awarded the Icon Award to celebrate his contributions to the music and film industry. Schwartz performed his song “Beautiful City” on stage from his musical “Godspell.” Music producer and supervisor Bonnie Greenberg took to the stage to accept the Legacy Award for her outstanding career in music supervision. Music supervisor and executive at EA Games Steve Schnur won the most awards for the evening with two wins for his work on video games EA Sports FC 25 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Keeping their promise of live performances from Best Song nominees, Oscar-nominees Abraham Alexander & Adrian Quesada performed their nominated song “Like a Bird” from “Sing Sing,” which took the prize for Best Song Written and/or Recorded for a Film. Danielle Ponder performed her nominated song “Egún” from Apple TV’s “Manhunt,” and the artist Role Model gave a rousing performance of their song “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” as the Spotlight artist of the evening.
The complete winners list for the 15th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards is as follows.
FILM
Best Music Supervision in Major Budget Films
Maggie Rodford - “Wicked”
Best Music Supervision in Mid-Level Budget Films
Steven Gizicki - “A... Read More