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Joel Signer has been promoted to head of production at Chicago- and Los Angeles-based production company Sarofsky, while producer Will Townsend has joined the staff, said Managing Director/Executive Producer Steven Anderson on Friday.
Signer is a former optimus colorist who has held staff producer positions at Beast Editorial, Company 3 and Method Studios. He was named senior producer at Sarofsky in 2021 after joining the company in 2018. Amongst his credits are commercials, brand films, docuseries as well as contributions to films and TV series.
“An absolutely invaluable member of our team, Joel has produced everything from our docuseries to main titles and everything in between,” Anderson said in a statement. “Deeply respected by our artists and clients alike, he is honest, trustworthy, and unafraid of challenges. He’s a fantastic producer, and he’s fully prepared to take on the additional responsibilities as head of production.”
“I believe, no matter the size of the project or budget, our attention to the details (large and small) is second to none,” Signer explained. “I am extremely excited about my new role and being part of this incredible team.”
Townsend spent the past nine years with Sony Pictures in Los Angeles, where most recently he was associate production manager: story for Sony Pictures Animation’s 2022 feature Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. His credits also include the Oscar-winning animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He’s also voiced the characters Elliot the Deer and Mr. Weenie in the 2015 animated movie Open Season: Scared Silly.
“After our first conversation with Will, we knew he would make a great addition to our production department,” Anderson said. “His personality is a perfect fit for this business; he constantly brings us a different perspective based on his experience at Sony Animation, and he is eager to learn everything about Sarofsky. Also great with clients, he has all the qualities we look for in our producers.”
“Sarofsky is the perfect balance of what I know (animation) and what I hoped to learn more of (advertising),” Townsend said, also in a statement. “They are very people-oriented and people-driven, with a certain upbeat energy that makes working fun. As a result, the work is extra special, and that comes from the genuine enthusiasm from the leadership and everyone involved.”