1) Purpose is everything. Understand the core tenets of the idea. Once you have that down you’ll know where you can take risks.
Know your voice. Your insight is important so nurture your instincts.
Stay acutely aware of your team and what they do. For example, talk to your actors and understand their process. In learning what makes each group efficient you will be a better leader.
2) Ask questions.
Ask your creative team what are the goals are with the work and what were their inspirations.
Ask about line items in bids.
Ask crew members about their jobs.
The more you know, the more resourceful you become.
And when asked something you don’t know the answer to say, “I don’t know but I’ll find out.”
Be the calm. Things will get crazy, but things always work out in the end. Breathe, step back, and look at the big picture. You will see the alternate routes to get you and the team to your final destination.
3) As an agency GS&P has risk-taking at its core, and creatives and producers are constantly pushed to come up with firsts. The “well, that’s new to me!” moments are what keep what we do from feeling static. Most recently, the agency has executed everything from a deep-fake application for the Salvador Dalí Museum to driving a BMW in a straight line across the country.
I am currently kicking off an AR project, but it’s too premature to discuss it at the moment. I will have quite a bit to talk about in a few months, though. Shall we pick this conversation back up then?
4) That’s a tough one. I couldn’t be prouder of the level of craft in my last two projects. I was fortunate to work with amazing agency folk, production partners and clients.
With Credit Karma the stories and execution are magical, the details are purposeful and they were a great exercise in cadence.
Liberty Mutual was just pure fun to make. The comedic tone and look make it a stand out in the its category.
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More