Thomas John Ennis

Driven by his unwavering focus, strong work ethic, and adaptability, Thomas John Ennis has excelled across several roles and industries throughout his accomplished career—from sales to advertising to education to film production to acting and beyond. Since 2000, he has found success as the senior vice president of sales and marketing of FotoKem, a film laboratory and postproduction studio based in Burbank, California, through which he wields his expertise in identifying target markets and building strong relationships with executives and key decision-makers in the motion picture industry. In addition to his work behind the scenes, he has been active as a professional voiceover artist, engaging in projects he finds enjoyable and rewarding, including “Warriors of Heaven and Earth.”

With bachelor’s degrees in English, history, and marketing from Michigan State University, Mr. Ennis was introduced to creative advertising by an instructor of his, who served as the creative director of Leo Burnett Worldwide, the global agency behind Tony the Tiger and the Jolly Green Giant. He was so inspired by his professor that he sought to follow in his footsteps—leading him to pursue a Master of Arts in creative advertising management. In the midst of his new goal, he gained experience as the vice president of a design communications and advertising agency. In seeking guidance from his professor and mentor, he was encouraged to take up a teaching assistant position, which he did from 1985 to 1987. As part of the Department of Advertising faculty, he produced a 40-program series as an introductory advertising course, fixed an inherited audio bay, and oversaw student audio production for voiceovers and soundtracks for commercial spots. This role provided him with production experience, which became pivotal in shaping his major talents.

Mr. Ennis ultimately attained his master’s degree in 1987, after which he became the vice president and general manager at Starcom Television Services for six years. He subsequently found success as the president and owner at TJE Marketing for a year before becoming the senior vice president of sales and marketing at VDI in Hollywood, a major motion picture studio and infomercial postproduction office—which carved the path to his current position. Reflecting on his entire career, he’s proud of several accomplishments but considers the highlights to be the audio work he has done, as well as exceeding revenue targets as a sales and marketing professional—all testament to his dedication and hard work in the industry. Mr. Ennis’ philosophy on liFe, he says, “embodies a distinctly Californian approach,” which emphasizes a balance between the active pursuit of one’s goals and a willingness to let things unfold naturally.

Outside of his primary endeavors, he is affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital as a board member, the Scarlet Society, and the Harbor Island Yacht Club.