Our Story
Since 1997, Roark, Pirsig & Dobie Studios has worked with a wide range of clients, which has provided the experience to assess each partners’ business objectives with a fresh approach. Roark, Pirsig, & Dobie was named after three literary characters that embody our values and work. Howard Roark, from Ayn Rand’s Fountain Head reflects integrity. Robert Pirsig, author of Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, quality. And Lionel Dobie, a character in Woody Allen’s New York Stories, creativity.
Our mission, produce creative narratives that engage audiences.
PHIL WNUK
Writer/Producer/Director
Phil founded RPD in 1997 after a decade in the advertising industry, with the goal of combining creative development and execution to streamline the production process and provide engaging content.
Phil’s vision is to bring the power of strong storytelling, through a combination of keen business insight and high quality production, is at the center of driving results for his partners in today’s media driven world.
DAN FIETSAM
WRITER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
With 30 years experience as a Chief Creative Officer, Creative Director and Copywriter at a number of leading agencies like DDB, BBDO and Leo Burnett, Dan provides the creative strategy, ensuring the content delivers impact and stays on target.
JOHN GINN
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
Extensive experience working on filming and supervising large crews and logistics for some of the worlds largest brands, John has produced work on shows “Three Perfect Days” for American Airlines, commercials for Sony Playstation, and multiple award winning content. An integral part of RPD, John delivers flawless execution.
PETER BIAGI
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Pete Biagi is a Chicago-based working cinematographer. He shot two films that went to the Sundance Film festival in 2002 - 'Design' & 'Stolen Summer'. He operated camera on Robert Altmans last two films - 'The Company' & 'A Prairie Home Companion'. To date, he has enjoyed shooting 22 feature films, many narrative shorts and many long form documentaries.
His work includes numerous short films and eighteen feature-length films. He has also shot local commercials and national commercials. He won Intercom's Best Cinematography award, an AICP award, and an Indy award.
STEVE MORRISON
EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Steve is a creative editor who has been working for in Chicago for over 25 years at some of the top post houses including Daily Planet, Editel, Cutters, Superior Street, Foundation, and FCB..
With a background in both creative editorial and online/finishing, Steve’s recent work includes the feature “Pottersville” starring Michael Shannon and Ron Perlman.
Steve’s diverse catalogue of work, includes nationally recognized commercials, corporate films, narrative features, and documentaries.
JUSTIN KROL
AUDIO & SOUND DESIGN
Justin Krol and his collaborator Quinn Scharber have been working together in the recording and composing world for over a decade, providing professional audio mixing, sound design, and original scores for commercials, documentaries, and numerous networks and streaming TV shows.
Their work for some of the most recognizable brands, including Intel, Ford, Coach, Yeti and Chase Bank have been recognized throughout the industry. Their passion for creating soundtracks that compliment the visual story and drives an emotional connection with the audience, is at the center of their work.