Jon Simonetta
New York City
Summary
Accomplished Producer with over 18 years of experience in film, still photography, and events, specializing in high-impact branded content. A nationwide network of top-tier crew members, trusted vendors, and key production resources ensures seamless execution of creative visions with precision and efficiency. Renowned for composed leadership and a solutions-first mindset, consistently delivering exceptional results on time, under budget, and exceeding client expectations. Notable collaborations include production companies such as Fiona Media Company and Chelsea Pictures, along with esteemed clients including Kingsford, Verizon, and the U.S. Army.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Producer, TV Commercials and Branded Content
04.2012 - Current
- Produce national TV commercials with budgets up to $2M, serving as primary liaison with Ad Agency Producers and Creatives.
- Collaborate with Directors and Production Companies to execute creative vision and align crews with campaign goals
- Build, manage, and actualize budgets, consistently delivering projects under budget
- Lead casting sessions, hire actors, and supervise on-set communication between Director and agency
- Recruit and manage key crew members including Production Designer, DP, and Stills Photographer
- Create and maintain detailed shoot schedules with Assistant Director
- Manage all aspects of production on set, ensuring efficiency and seamless execution
Production Supervisor, TV Commercials and Branded Content
03.2012 - Current
- Actualize finances for nationwide television commercials with budgets up to $2M
- Interview and hire specialized crew members, union crew, and teamsters for each production
- Maintain strong vendor relationships, reducing costs by up to 30% per production
- Negotiate crew hires and delegate responsibilities to production assistants and crew
- Manage and approve purchase orders and petty cash expenditures
- Oversee rentals and purchases of camera packages, lights, props, soundstages, and locations
- Coordinate and manage all trucking, travel, and logistics for productions
Agency Producer, EA Games Cover Shoot, NHL
EA Games
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Produced EA Games cover shoot with celebrity athlete for the NHL
- Worked directly for the advertising agency The New Company and was EA games main point of contact for all correspondence with creative team
- Hired the celebrity sports photographer and production company and executed the photo shoot on location in a hockey arena
Production Manager at Center Line Studios, Cornwall NY
Center Line Studios
07.2011 - 03.2012
- Supervised and delegated daily tasks for 20+ crew members on job sites and show-floor
- Translated client needs into cost-effective set construction budgets
- Managed set construction for Broadway shows, concerts, corporate events, and tours
- Created and adjust project work plans to meet evolving requirements
- Purchased, tracked, and managed all materials for productions
- Oversaw trucking, travel, and logistics for all events
- Communicated with clients/designers to interpret CAD drawings and set details
- Hired and supervised carpenters and scenic artists for specialized builds
- Managed payroll for all crew members and ensure accurate reporting
- Oversaw revenue recognition, invoicing, and receivables for projects
Project Manager/Account Executive at Firehouse Productions Red Hook, NY
Firehouse Productions
03.2004 - 07.2011
- Prepared and managed audio budgets up to $350K for large-scale events
- Translated client needs into cost-effective audio solutions tailored to each project
- Hired and supervised specialized audio technicians, engineers, and editors
- Provided on-site quality assurance for major events (e.g., eBay Live, Casio launches with Kanye West, Bill Clinton, Ke$ha, and the Yankees Ticker Tape Parade)
- Researched, purchased, and negotiated inventory to reduce company costs
- Partnered with Managing Directors and bookkeepers to audit expenses and streamline operations
- Arranged and managed crew travel, lodging, and logistics nationwide
- Oversaw trucking and transport of multi-million-dollar audio packages
- Designed and implemented office systems to support new facility launches
Education
BFA - Film
School of Visual Arts
01.1997
Skills
- Budget preparation
- Pre-production planning
- Team coordination
- Film production
- Deadline management
- Logistics
- Creative vision implementation
- Talent acquisition
- Hiring production staff
- Budget management
- Research skills
- Corporate communications
- Leading shoots
- Project Management
- Strategic Communications
- Production leadership
- Premier pro and FCP7 expertise
- Adobe premiere pro
- Adobe creative cloud
- Google and Microsoft Suite
Affiliations
Member of Production Workers Guild IASTE 111
Links
Jon Simonetta's Website: intotheblackproductions.com
Timeline
Agency Producer, EA Games Cover Shoot, NHL
EA Games
01.2023 - 03.2023
Line Producer, TV Commercials and Branded Content
04.2012 - Current
Production Supervisor, TV Commercials and Branded Content
03.2012 - Current
Production Manager at Center Line Studios, Cornwall NY
Center Line Studios
07.2011 - 03.2012
Project Manager/Account Executive at Firehouse Productions Red Hook, NY
Firehouse Productions
03.2004 - 07.2011
BFA - Film
School of Visual Arts