Thornley, McGraw, Dawson, Halama And Ruble To Take On Expanded Roles
The Whitehouse, an editorial company with bases of operation in London, New York, Chicago and Santa Monica, has promoted from within to assemble a new management team in preparation for the pending departure of CEO Charles Day and COO Christine Tardio.
As earlier reported, company partners Day and Tardio are leaving next month to move onto new career challenges (SHOOT, 3/18, p. 1). The Whitehouse has named five company professionals to take the managerial reins and assume expanded responsibilities.
Melissa Thornley has been named managing director, a position that will have day-to-day authority to run The Whitehouse. Beginning her career with the company eight years ago, she has served as executive producer for the company’s Chicago, New York and London offices.
Reporting to Thornley will be four department directors, all current Whitehouse employees who take on the following expanded roles: Dan McGraw, director of strategic development and technology; Sue Dawson, director of postproduction; Lacey Halama, director of operations; and Joe Ruble, director of finance.
McGraw had been the company’s director of technology for the past five years. Prior to The Whitehouse, McGraw was a senior manager at Avid Technology.
Dawson is currently the executive producer of The Whitehouse’s Santa Monica shop. In her new capacity, she will manage all of the company’s 14 producers and will be responsible for their individual and collective development. Dawson came aboard The Whitehouse in 1998 with experience in post and agency production, including a stint at Wieden+Kennedy, Portland, Ore.
Halama has been with The Whitehouse for four years. She served as the company’s manager of operations, working under outgoing COO Tardio.
And Ruble had been consulting with The Whitehouse over the last year regarding the overall financial management of the company.
The remaining partners in The Whitehouse are editors David Brixton, Russell Icke, Rick Lawley and John Smith.“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More