11 Dollar Bill has appointed René Steinkellner as executive producer at its Chicago studio. Steinkellner, who served as executive producer at FCB, Lord+Thomas, Chicago, for 12 years, will lead postproduction, business development and client relations.
Steinkellner knows 11 Dollar Bill well, having worked with the studio on several recent projects as a freelance producer. She brings deep experience in postproduction on both the agency and facility side.
At FCB Chicago, Steinkellner led Lord+Thomas Post, the agency’s in-house production/post unit. She built Lord+Thomas into a complete postproduction unit with editorial, sound, color correction and finishing capabilities and a staff of 40, including six in-house producers. The group produced broadcast, non-broadcast and digital media for Kmart, Michelob and other mainstay agency accounts.
Steinkellner’s strong ties to the Chicago-area advertising community are a huge asset as 11 Dollar Bill is enjoying a post-pandemic surge in new business. “René brings expertise and a stellar reputation,” observed executive producer/director of strategic partnerships Cannon Kinnard. “Her leadership skills are crucial to our ability to continue generating top-tier content for our diverse client base.”
A Chicago native, Steinkellner began her career with the boutique editing company NuWorld. Her background also includes seven years as executive producer/general manager at Outsider Post Production.
Steinkellner’s goals are to produce great work, help 11 Dollar Bill grow and nurture its team. “My focus throughout my career has been on people,” she explained. I want to see interns become senior editors. I want every employee to develop his or her talents and develop into the best creative they can be.”
With 11 Dollar Bill busy with advertising, corporate and entertainment projects, the company’s managing director Del Feltz expects Steinkellner to hit the ground running. “Our clients know René and trust her implicitly,” he said. “She’s done a great job in integrating with our staff. She understands our culture and shares our values. It’s a great fit.”