Chicago-based postproduction/digital media company Utopic has signed director of finishing Christopher Elliott. Elliott joins Utopic after a 10-year stint as Red Car/Chicago’s director of finishing. Prior to that position he was on the staff at Optimus, where he worked with Tim Kloehn, Utopic’s co-owner and editor.
“I’m very excited to be reunited with Chris,” Kloehn said. “He’s an innovative talent who brings both creative and technical ingenuity to the craft of finishing, and is an invaluable addition to our team.”
Elliott’s credits include a long list of national spots, such as McDonald’s Super Bowl 2013 and Mighty Wings spots, both directed by Joe Pytka, as well as Reeses Puffs and multiple Miller Light spots. In addition to working on numerous commercials, Elliott worked on a number of short films and documentaries, including, NEA Big Read Series directed by Larry Bridges. Also, he edited the animated short Stubble Trouble for Calabash Animation.
“As the director of finishing I enjoy working closely with the editor and agency creatives early in the creative process,” Elliott said. “I really thrive on the challenge of finding those opportunities to plus every scene and exploring new ideas throughout the finishing process. My favorite days are when the room is flowing with creative energy, and I know that the final commercial has exceeded a client’s highest expectations.”
Elliott’s early work experience also includes cutting local commercials and on-air promotion for PBS station WSIU. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Elliott earned his degree in mass communications and fine arts with a minor in marketing. The River to River Run, a documentary directed and edited by Elliott, was honored by The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences College Awards for best documentary.
He got his start at Optimus in 1993, working in the library, and quickly moved up to assistant editor. Elliott was promoted to online editor in 1997, and went on to cut a number of high-profile national sports teasers for NBC, CBS and FOX, while finishing national spots for clients such as, Anheuser-Busch, Nintendo and Wrigley Gum. He made the moved to Red Car in 2003 as online editor, finishing national campaign for a diverse mix of clients that included Miller/Coors, McDonald’s and Jeep. In 2010 Red Car promoted him to director of finishing.
“It’s great to walk into a company where I have established relationships with so many people,” Elliott said. “I’m excited to be part of such a forward thinking company and accomplished, collaborative team of talent.”
