This year, Phantom Productions’ leadership team strengthened its legacy as co-founder and Creative Director Chris Roussakis received the Ottawa Business Journal’s prestigious Forty Under 40 recognition. This award acknowledges the city’s top business leaders, with recipients selected based on their business accomplishments, professional experience and impact on the community.
For Chris, this milestone is not only a personal honour. It’s also a reflection of the growth and vision that define Phantom Productions.
Phantom Productions’ story began five years ago, rooted in friendship and a determination to make a real impact on Ottawa’s video industry. Kyle Smendziuk, CEO of WebMarketers, wanted to ramp up the company’s video capabilities. By bringing video production in-house, clients could receive high-quality work at better value. Kyle briefly considered acquiring an existing production company — but instead chose to partner with his longtime friend and collaborator, Chris, to create their own company and carve their own path.
Drawing from their established client base and freelance experience, they built Phantom Productions from the ground up, driven by a shared commitment to creativity and business growth.
The value of in-house video production quickly became clear as the marketing world shifted, with content moving to the forefront. Chris remembers this moment distinctly, pointing out, “Everyone was going all in on video content.”
Meeting the growing demand for dynamic, engaging and innovative content required the Phantom team to specialize in not only live-action video but also animation. Within just six months, Phantom landed its first animation contract. Today, animation accounts for about 50% of the business. Animation is well-suited to Ottawa’s technology-forward business community, capable of communicating how new technologies work in a highly digestible and entertaining way. As Chris says, clients “want that flair within their content” — and Phantom delivers through a unique mix of collaboration and technical skill.
That combination is what enables Phantom to compete with even the largest agencies. Landing national brands such as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, or developing creative assets for the inaugural season of Ottawa Black Bears — a fast-paced, rewarding experience that Chris still recalls fondly — are just some of the many successes that have validated his belief in the company’s direction and capabilities.
The company’s growth is further demonstrated by its commitment to nurturing local talent. Chris takes great pride in providing meaningful opportunities for interns and young professionals. Over the years, Phantom Productions has become a trusted hub for young creatives to learn and develop their skills, helping elevate Ottawa’s reputation in the creative industries. “I love this city,” he says. “And I’ve always wanted to make an impact in the business I’m in.”
For Chris, offering full-time employment and mentorship is about more than just numbers. It’s about shaping the industry’s future in his hometown. That’s why he has maintained a close relationship with Algonquin College since 2002, investing time and energy into mentoring the next generation of creatives.
Chris’ contributions go beyond just business leadership. His roots in Ottawa’s Greek community and support for events like Ottawa GreekFest highlight his belief in giving back. Chris’ charitable work, which also includes supporting CHEO, is motivated by the idea that “giving what you could can mean a lot.”
Chris now joins Kyle and COO Alex Dorward as one of three people at Phantom Productions and WebMarketers to receive the Forty Under 40 recognition. Having these three leaders honoured with this distinction is a testament to the talent and dedication at the company’s core. It also sets a high standard for leadership, vision and community impact as the company continues to grow.
For Chris, receiving the Forty Under 40 recognition carries special meaning.
“As much as this is a reward for me, it’s also for the team and what we’ve done,” he says. “For all the accomplishments we’ve achieved and will continue to achieve in the years to come.”
