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.”
Apple and Google Face UK Investigation Into Mobile Browser Dominance
Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year.
The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker's tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. Apple does this by restricting progressive web apps, which don't need to be downloaded from an app store and aren't subject to app store commissions, the report said.
"This technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices," the watchdog said in a provisional report on its investigation into mobile browsers that it opened after an initial study concluded that Apple and Google effectively have a chokehold on "mobile ecosystems."
The CMA's report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers "the clearest or easiest option."
And it said that the a revenue-sharing deal between the two U.S. Big Tech companies "significantly reduces their financial incentives" to compete in mobile browsers on Apple's iOS operating system for iPhones.
Both companies said they will "engage constructively" with the CMA.
Apple said it disagreed with the findings and said it was concerned that the recommendations would undermine user privacy and security.
Google said the openness of its Android mobile operating system "has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps" and that it's "committed to open platforms that empower consumers."
It's the latest move by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to crack down on the... Read More