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    Harbor expands its reach with launch of post studio in Chicago

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1085 Views
    Casey Swircz (l) and Oisin O'Driscoll
    CHICAGO --

    Production and post house Harbor has opened a state-of-the-art studio in the heart of Chicago. This strategic move comes as part of Harbor’s commitment to meeting the demands of its clients while establishing a presence in one of the most influential advertising cities in the nation.

    The new studio in Chicago offers talent across all postproduction artistries–creative editorial, color/finishing, sound, VO record and casting, VFX, and design.

    Overseeing Harbor Chicago, executive producer Casey Swircz, formerly of the Mill and Carbon, is supported by a deep bench of award-winning talent. Creative director Oisín O’Driscoll, head of color Steve Perski, sound and VFX creative directors Kyle Cody, Anne Trotman, Andrew Granelli, Alex Candlish, and David Soto lead a global team of VFX and design artists focusing on CG, 2D, and motion design.

    Executive creative director Chris Hellman, formerly of Crew Cuts and Homestead, curates Harbor’s roster of editors across automotive, comedy, visual storytelling, beauty, fashion, documentary, mixed-media, Spanish-language, and kids-audience advertising. 

    Since launching the Chicago studio, the team has successfully delivered notable projects including Tide’s “Lucky Jersey,” (Saatchi & Saatchi NY) earning a Silver Cannes Lions in 2023, Levi’s “Precious Cargo,” (Droga5) earning Best Color at AICP 2023, and Goldfish’s “Tiny Hands” (Saatchi & Saatchi NY), which garnered Bronze, Silver, and Gold Cannes Lions in 2023. 

    “Opening a studio in Chicago is a significant milestone for Harbor. It allows us to be closer to our clients and collaborators in this vibrant advertising capital, providing them with convenient access to our world-class artistry,” said Zak Tucker, founder and CEO of Harbor. “Moreover, Chicago’s storied history in the advertising world inspires us, and we are truly honored to contribute to the city’s creative legacy.”

    Harbor maintains bases of operation in New York, Los Angeles, London, Chicago and Atlanta.

    Tags:Casey SwirczChris HellmanHARBOROisin O'DriscollZak Tucker



    DirecTV calls off acquisition of rival Dish, possibly ending a yearslong pursuit

    Friday, November 22, 2024
    Dish Network satellite dishes are shown at an apartment complex in Palo Alto, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

    DirecTV is calling off its planned acquisition of rival Dish after the offer was rejected by bond holders at that company.

    The deal was reliant on Dish bond holders agreeing to trade in the debt they held for debt in the new company, a swap that would have cost them about $1.6 billion, collectively.

    The retreat by DirecTV this week may end a years-long effort by the company to acquire both Dish and Sling after it announced the bid in September.

    DirecTV was looking to acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from its owner EchoStar in a debt exchange transaction that included a payment of $1, plus the assumption of approximately $9.8 billion in debt. The deal was contingent on several factors, including regulatory approvals and bondholders writing off debt related to Dish.

    "While we believed a combination of DirecTV and Dish would have benefited all stakeholders, we have terminated the transaction because the proposed exchange terms were necessary to protect DirecTV's balance sheet and our operational flexibility," DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said in a statement.

    The prospect of a DirecTV-Dish combo has long been rumored, and reported talks resurfaced over the years. And the two almost merged more than two decades ago — but the Federal Communications Commission blocked the deal valued at the time at $18.5 billion deal, citing antitrust concerns.

    The pay-for-TV market has shifted significantly since. As more and more consumers tune into online streaming platforms, demand for more traditional satellite entertainment continues to shrink.

    DirecTV says that it will continue to invest in next-generation streaming platforms and offer new packaging options while integrating content from live TV alongside direct-to-consumer... Read More

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