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.”
Trump Asks Supreme Court To Delay TikTok Ban
President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a "political resolution" to the issue.
The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk.
"President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act's deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case," said Trump's amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case and was written by D. John Sauer, Trump's choice for solicitor general.
The argument submitted to the court is the latest example of Trump inserting himself in national issues before he takes office. The Republican president-elect has already begun negotiating with other countries over his plans to impose tariffs, and he intervened earlier this month in a plan to fund the federal government, calling for a bipartisan plan to be rejected and sending Republicans back to the negotiating table.
He has been holding meetings with foreign leaders and business officials at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida while he assembles his administration, including a meeting last week with TikTok CEO Shou Chew.
Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined the TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger... Read More