Hollywood-based post house Chainsaw announced the appointment of Steve Purcell as general manager. Purcell is a two-time Emmy winner with more than 25 years of experience as a director, editor and producer. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of Chainsaw’s operations which include creative editorial, editorial finishing, graphics, visual effects, color grading and related post services, as well as a large editorial rental operation.
“Steve has been a client and a friend of Chainsaw since our inception,” said Chainsaw co-founder Bill DeRonde. “As general manager, we wanted an individual with a client-centric focus. As someone who has worked as an editor and as a producer/director at a very high level, we could have found no better candidate than Steve. It’s wonderful to bring him on board at a very exciting time for Chainsaw.”
Purcell previously served as president of SLP Productions, a television and film production company that he founded in 1989. Notable projects included Paul McCartney’s “A Postcard from Arizona,” B.B. King’s “The Blues Summit” and “One Night in Jordan.” In 1998, he won a Grammy Award for best long-form music video for Alanis Morissette‘s Jagged Little Pill—Live. He also directed three movies featuring Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Purcell began his career at The Post Group and served for 10 years as lead editor. He won two Emmy Awards for his work, including one in 1986 for Pee-wee’s Playhouse.
In addition to overseeing operations generally, Purcell will assist clients in workflow design and project management. He will also be involved in strategic and technical planning for Chainsaw’s future.
“I will share my hands-on experience with producers and directors and help guide their projects through the Chainsaw facility,” Purcell said. “I have produced and directed shows very similar to those that come to this facility and so I can relate very well to the needs and concerns of our clients.”
Purcell added that he will focus on helping Chainsaw grow and remain at the leading edge of technology while retaining the family atmosphere that has been key to its success. Current Chainsaw projects include American Idol, The Biggest Loser, Killer Karaoke, The Bachelor and America’s Got Talent.
Chainsaw has also hired Krystle Tesoriero as operations manager. Tesoriero comes from a similar position with editorial systems provider Runway. She began her career with Matchframe Video.
These developments come as Chainsaw is celebrating an Emmy Award win for outstanding picture editing for short-form segments and variety specials for the HBO special The 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Editors Bill DeRonde, Ben Folts, Pi Ware and John Zimmer were named in the award, Chainsaw’s 19th Emmy win overall.
“Chainsaw has become well-known for music and variety specials and that is one reason we continue to attract projects of such high caliber,” said DeRonde. “And when we get great projects like this, we hit it on all cylinders and we deliver.”
