Tom Shimandle 

Tom is a director, writer, and crew freelancer with a passion for all sides of film production. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Tom has worked on some of the most exciting features, series, and music videos that  Chicago has to offer. 

Tom came up working in lighting departments on TV shows like Shameless, Empire, South Side, and Shining  Girls. He has since worked as a key grip in several indie and union feature films, “Pools” and “Start Without Me,”  and as a gaffer or camera guy in numerous commercials and shorts. Experienced in both sides of virtual production, he’s built & operated LED walls for “Justified: City Primeval,” Sony’s upcoming “Durango 60623,”  and has gaffed or keyed several pilots and shorts shooting against the volume. Tom likes to collect a Swiss Army knife’s worth of skills on set; when each department is so rewarding, how could you pick just one? 

As a director, Tom recently released the video “Moments” by Ace Da Vinci, a one-take with moving set walls and lighting changes that was somehow made on a dime, and ahead of schedule. He values preparation almost as much as the talented and trusting crew he’s blessed to work with. 

Tom prides himself on his ability to bring a creative and collaborative eye to any project. Whatever the budget size or vision, he’s here to bring an idea to life, run it smoothly, and make it look special.

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