Thomas Tomchak

Mac/Windows/Linux Network Administrator – Responsible for managing a network of computers that are used in both the Post Production and Graphics departments at Allstate Insurance. Proficient at troubleshooting problems at a network and machine level, even in high pressure situations.

EditShare Administrator – At Allstate Insurance, responsible for the department workflow, usage of Flow Applications and metadata structure as well as archival duties with Ark. A department wide workflow was designed, implemented and taught to team members.

Remote Edit Design - During the early days of the pandemic, helped design and implement a remote working solution called Teradic (now HP Anywhere). This allowed editors, colorists and graphics artists to work remotely while still keeping all of the assets secure and protected inside the Allstate Production Studio. This process required several meetings with Allstate Security in order to test and design a system that would work within their secure environment.

Educator - Created a Production University website on the studio LAN to not only document standards and procedures, but also to educate studio personal. As part of this effort, created a series of training videos that cover all duties EditShare related so that others can be empowered if I'm not available. All institutional knowledge should be shared by all to all for the good of the department.

Network Design/Drawing - Diagramed a network upgrade that included new switches, pathways and vlans for the multimedia department at Allstate Insurance. This was used during the upgrade from EditShare to a DDP video server in 2023. As project lead, it was my responsibility to keep all broadcasts and edits going with zero downtime during the upgrade.

Technical Director - Fill in technical director for live broadcasts at the Allstate Production Studio. Have intimate knowledge of both Tricaster and BlackMagic switchers, configurations and how to keep them properly maintained, as well as use of various Teleprompter software.

Archive Management - For the Allstate Production Studio, had the roll of creating and managing a workflow to track the hundreds of projects done every year in the department. This was also taught to the rest of the team. As a result, any project or element that has ever touched our servers can be tracked, restored and used again on demand by any team member.

Post Production Architect - Designed and created multiple edit suite setups for clients. Asses a client's needs against their budget, purchase gear, wire all devices and in some cases design a workflow that would be shared with staff. As an example, I had to create a portable multi-editor, multi-producer setup for a 2 week job in Hawaii, where enormous amounts of content had to be turned quickly and presented every morning at the start of a show.

Today, I still maintain one of those setups semi-annually to keep everything running smoothly and to update documentation as things change. I also keep this client apprised of changes in technology and new workflows that can be implemented to save time/money.

Non-Linear/VFX Editor – Specialize in Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Avid and FCPx as well as the full suite of Adobe Creative Cloud video applications. Using Mocha Pro, I developed a unique skill of removing logos from moving video, as if they were never there.

Current and past clients include Allstate Insurance, Hyatt Hotels, Radio Disney, McDonald's Creative Services, Sable Trail Productions, Gartner, and Lions Clubs International as well as several independent producers and production companies. I can work as a creative team member or solo to achieve desired final product.

Demo Reel - https://tchak.link/Edit

Entrepreneur - Started and operated a very successful post house that grew to 3 edit suites as well as a traveling edit system that's been used as far as Sydney Australia and Beijing China.

During the startup phase, I created contractor approved blueprints, did all of the video/network wiring, and setup a video server that served 3 edit suites and graphics room. I was project lead on this 3 month endeavor.

Post Production Supervisor – Managed a staff of 8 in the post production department, and was responsible for doing annual performance reviews, raise decisions, staffing and setting & enforcing workflows, standards and procedures. I determined the future of the department by deciding what equipment to purchase and upgraded on an annual basis. The post department was one of the most efficient and problem-free departments at Orbis with a low turnover rate.

Technical Director - I was the backup Technical Director for the Judge Mathis show, based in Chicago. I operated a Grass Valley 200 switcher and was selected by a Emmy award director that used to work on the Oprah show.

Assistant Editor – Worked on a variety of high-end spots with Agency clientele. Work responsibility included direct client contact throughout the product development and having the right social skills to handle even the most difficult clients.

Through an engineering course taken at the time, developed a complete understanding of the video signal and video signal standards that served me well for many years to follow.