Veteran post-production sales executive Jon Johnson has joined Chainsaw, a SIM Group company, as Executive Vice President of Sales. In his new role, Johnson will lead Chainsaw’s continued expansion into scripted television, working to bring in new projects and extend the post-production facility’s ties with studios, cable networks, streaming outlets, independent producers and other content providers.
“Jon is a consummate professional. He is smart, experienced and serves his clients with great integrity,” said Chainsaw co-founder Bill DeRonde. “He is highly regarded throughout the television industry, and a wonderful addition to the Chainsaw family.”
Chainsaw has been a leader in unscripted television, awards shows and specials for more than 20 years. Its credits run the gamut from American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance to The Academy Awards and The Kennedy Center Honors. Founders Bill DeRonde and Mike Polito have won a combined ten Emmy Awards for their work as television editors. The company continues to broaden its base into more scripted television and independent features.
“We offer the best of everything,” explains Polito. “We have the latest gear, a highly efficient workflow and top talent. We bring the same passion, efficiency and high level of customer service to scripted television that has made us successful in the unscripted world.”
Johnson arrives at Chainsaw from Modern VideoFilm where he also held the title of Executive Vice President of Sales. His tenure there spanned 24 years and included extensive work with all the major television studios and independent production companies. He began his career in the music industry.
Johnson described his move to Chainsaw as a great opportunity to build a world-class operation for scripted television. “We’re willing to do whatever it takes to deliver high quality service to our clients,” he said. “Chainsaw has been making big strides, assembling a great team of artists, producers and support personnel. We have a great future.”
About The SIM Group
Backed by Toronto-based investment firm Granite Partners, The SIM Group is a leading supplier of technology to the film and television industry. Its operating units, SIM Digital, Bling Digital, PS Production Services, Chainsaw and Pixel Underground, maintain offices across the USA, Canada and China. SIM Digital is a world-class rental facility specializing in digital production equipment and workflow services. SIM Digital offers one of the largest and most diverse inventories of the latest digital cinematography tools from top manufacturers including ARRI, Sony, RED, Panasonic, Canon, Fujinon, Angenieux, Zeiss, Cooke. In tandem with its innovative Bling Digital division, the company offers the industry’s most comprehensive workflow solutions for feature and television production, encompassing cameras, data, dailies, offline editorial, finishing and archiving. PS Production Services is a rental supplier of lighting, grip, generators and dolly equipment. Chainsaw is a full-service post-production facility based in Hollywood. It provides color grading, editorial finishing, visual effects and related services for television, motion pictures and other media. Pixel Underground is a file-based post-production facility in Toronto that specializes in color grading, visual effects and online finishing, with two associated companies FINI Films and StationEX, which provide physical and file-based media fulfillment and distribution services. For more information, visit simgroup.com
