THREE NEW AT LEVITHAN are producer James Turek, who earlier had spent eight years in LA; software engineer David Braun, a recent Brown University grad with a BA in Mathematics-Economics, and systems administrator Lucas Schira, from WiredTree.
In LA, Braun had been Marvel Studios’ stereo coordinator contributing to “Iron Man 3” and “Thor: The Dark World.” Earlier, he’d spent seven years with Zoic Studios as visual effects coordinator, production and stage manager.
Braun has pioneered software development, pursuing several professional challenges while at Brown, including an innovative, projection-mapped AV installation that brought him to Leviathan’s attention.
At WireTree, Schira was a key part of the year-round 24/7 support team for more than 80,000 websites worldwide. Earlier, he was an interactive design for Chicago-based MI Interactive.
At the same time, EP Chad Hutson and ECD Jason White announced three key promotions: Brandon Webb, senior creative director, from CD; Adam Berg, director of R&D and engineering, from research engineer and designer Alexis Copeland, from junior designer.
TV SHOWS ARE GEARING UP at Cinespace for new fall seasons. Fox hit “Empire” has begun its second season and cameras roll next week for NBC’s “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago PD.” NBC’s “Chicago Med,” set for mid-season, has settled into CineSpace office space and has a set designer on staff.
Speaking of “Empire:” co-creator/director Lee Daniels has signed a multiyear overall deal with 20th TV, whereby he remains an EP o “Empire,” while also will develop, write, direct and supervise new studio projects under his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner.
ENJOY THE SUMMER (such as it is) listening to the Summer Concert Series at the Hancock Building Plaza on Michigan Ave., with the hottest local acts performing Thursday nights, 5-7 p.m., presented by Music Dealers, which selected the artists, Hancock building owner Hearn, for the second year.
Tonight’s concert is by Tall Walker, a band that walks the line of indie rock and uadulterated pop music. Here’s the lineup for the Thursday series from now through Sept. 10.
REMINDER: Bob Olsen’s retirement party is Friday night at the Elephant & Castle, 185 Wabash, 5:30 p.m. and it should be a blast from past with old friends from Olsen’s days at at Fred A. Niles, Ampex, Roscor, SMPTE, Edit Chicago attending.
