Commercial, cine-doc, and content production company PARAGON has expanded its creative and strategic reach with additions to its directorial roster and the hiring of executive producer Tom Leonard. Coming aboard the directing roster on a nonexclusive basis for national representation with a focus on the Midwest are Christian Vergara, Marshall Burnette, Sha Collier, Brian Myers, Jon Correal, and Derek Hockemeyer. All these filmmakers–with the exception of Collier–had been working independently and now gain their first company representation. Collier earlier directed via ad agency TrendyMinds.
Director Jack Linderman founded PARAGON in 2020. His focus now is on building the company and its talent. From the outset, Linderman brought a perspective that storytelling can be both global and centered in community, cinematic and genuine, evergreen and hyper-current. Joining Linderman at PARAGON in early 2025 was partner/head of production Jacob Nobbe. Linderman and Nobbe have a shared belief in nurturing an environment where big ideas meet real collaboration.
PARAGON’s next chapter is focused on taking their vision and approach to a larger audience. Central to that evolution is the addition of executive producer Tom Leonard who has a pedigree spanning production, post and the agency side of the business. Prior to joining PARAGON, Leonard ran his own consultancy called RISE Creative resources on and off for 20 years, repping, agencies, production, design, animation and sound companies. His other past affiliations include staff gigs at Shutterstock, Digital Kitchen (as a sr. and then exec producer), Rhythm & Hues (supervising producer) and Optimus (direct-to-brand business development). He also freelanced as an agency producer at Butler Shine & Stern, and Goodby Silverstein & Partners.
“Tom knows how to connect with people, build lasting partnerships, and open doors in new markets,” said Linderman. “With him on board, we’re doubling down on the human side of production at a time when the industry needs it most.”
Leonard said of the colleagues at his new roost, “When I saw their work, I was really impressed by their storytelling, by the cinematography, and by the care involved. And when I found out that they had only been around for five years, I was shocked at the level of work that they were already doing. They have a vision, and my role is about helping bring it to life while adding layers with my industry experience. I think the blend is really beautiful.”
Central to this vision is nurturing and representing talent that is meeting the moment and helping to shape the future of brand-integrated storytelling for all screens. Among them, their latest work with director Bailen Estrada, titled “Playing in the Dark,” which showcases a unique blend of VFX elements, on-location capture, and AI generated transitions. It’s already garnered 200k+ views on Instagram and earned a Frameset selection.
Nobbe added, “Our goal is to provide opportunity to the next generation of directors – those who are daring, who are building their own brands, and who, like all of us, want to be a part of something exciting and special.”
Noting that both the final product and the process to attain it are both important, Linderman concluded, “When people think of PARAGON, we want them to remember how we made them feel–like they were heard, cared for, and part of the experience. And we want them to connect us with creativity that feels fresh, engaging, and personal.”
