Dear Art Producer

Chrissy Borgatta Liuzzi is Sr. Art Producer at Innocean Worldwide. She’s responsible for print, digital and social media. She’s worked on staff at agencies as well as freelance, so she has a comprehensive knowledge of photography, illustration and multimedia trends and styles.  Heather and Chrissy talk about how some jobs can be as important as a college education, working on the very first iMac campaign, the experience gained from editorial work and how to be the hub of a team. They also discuss  fully integrated productions, working with cost control consultants and advice for making treatments.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Chrissy Borgatta Liuzzi on LinkedIn here.  Mentions:  Webinar: AMA Presents Working Successfully with Producti

Aragorn Fenton is Head of Production at Motive in Denver. He works across a wide range of formats, including video, stills and animation. His career began in Australia and moved to the U.S. 7 years ago. His clients include Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Ruffles, Activa, Horizon, Burger King and Ram.  Heather and Aragorn talk about his initial interest in documentary production and film making, how he’s known to be a straight-shooter, what his role involves, producers that do more than just transfer information and remote shooting. They also discuss building and confirming crews, how to make production consultants your partners, paying for treatments and the selection process.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Aragorn Fenton on LinkedIn here.    More

Sabrina Oliva is an Exec. Art Producer at FCB Health and is based in NYC. Prior to that role, she freelanced for 15 years with numerous advertising agencies in the NY area, including Publicis, Grey and McCann. She worked on many major beauty and luxury brands such as Loreal, Cadillac and Lexus.   Heather and Sabrina talk about the new rules for attending in-person portfolio shows, her path to becoming an art producer, the producer’s role, the challenges of shorter timelines and a reduction in talent, the latest in Covid protocols and what clients are asking for right now. They also predict an increase in productions (especially Pharma) through the end of the year and discuss tips for working with production consultants, treatment fees, the review process and the importance of showing new work.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, st

Nikki O’Toole is a Sr. Art Producer based in Los Angeles. She has been working in the art and photography industries for nearly 20 years as a photo director, art director, photo producer, studio manager, agent and art producer.  Heather and Nikki talk about the paths people take to become art producers and what’s involved in that role and the rise in integrated (still and motion) projects. They also discuss what clients are asking for right now, aligning on budgets, working with production consultants, how much clients defer to their agency partners during the selection process, developing treatments and how photographers are marketing themselves.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Nikki O’Toole on LinkedIn here.  More about your host: Heath

Kat Tushim is a Creative Director at the Chicago-based marketing agency Upshot as well as a board member for True Chicago, a non-profit organization focused on supporting equitable development of young creatives. At Upshot, she leads creative teams with a focus on design and brand building. She’s worked across various industries for clients such as Chamberlain Group, Starbucks, Bibigo, Corona and Subway.  Heather and Kat talk about the different career paths that lead to this industry, changes in marketing and advertising, skilled staff at agencies working across teams, the value of in-person collaboration and shoot culture. They also discuss equity in representation in imagery and storylines, content-building shoots, what is required on both the agency and client side to tell successful brand stories, being flexible on set to allow the creative process to take place and the value of treatments.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather E

Carrie Nygren is VP / Head of Production at Laughlin Constable and is based in Milwaukee. She has been there for 27 years with previous roles including Art Director, Creative Director and Producer. Heather and Carrie talk about the value of working in a variety of departments in any organization, thinking about what the camera does, needs and sees, the importance of being nimble right now and how clients are asking for content that lives across every platform. They also discuss experimenting with ways to record video and audio remotely, the value of creative treatments, understanding licensing, rights and usage and marketing to agencies.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Carrie Nygren on LinkedIn here. She also has a portfolio site featurin

Rachel Perez is a Creative Producer at Leo Burnett and is based in Chicago. She is working on an array of clients such as Marlboro, PediaSure, Bridgestone, Nintendo and Reddi-wip. Heather and Rachel talk about remote shooting and the level of focus required, COVID shoot terms and conditions and what clients are asking for right now. They also discuss estimating and treatments, firm bids, cost consultants and photographer and director marketing.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Rachel Perez on LinkedIn here.   More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn Heather Elder on Facebook

Alicia Potter is founder and creative director of Faven Creative and is based in Boulder, CO. Her company’s name is a blend of “Favorite” and “Haven” because it combines her two passions of Food and Design. Heather and Alicia talk about finding creative inspiration that isn’t tied to your computer, how the e-commerce shift has influenced branding strategies, and how a brand can resonate and connect with consumers.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Alicia Potter on LinkedIn here.   Mentions:  Faven Creative More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn Heather Elder on Facebook

Mattison Becker is an integrated content producer with Digitas Health and is based in Philadelphia.  Heather and Mattison talk about the transformation of art buyers to art producers to integrated content producers, remote production during COVID-19, communications best practices and remote streaming solutions. They also discuss creating meaningful content within the current protocols, estimating, treatments, producer recommendations and marketing.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Mattison Becker on LinkedIn here.   Mentions:  Zoom Discord  Join Me More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn Heather Elder on Facebook

Will Chau is the Director of Creative and Branding at Whole Foods Market, where he oversees all aspects of marketing communications and design. Previously, he was a Creative Director at GSD&M, and he has created award-winning work for clients such as BMW, Southwest Airlines, Kia Motors and Kohler. His work has been featured in Cannes, One Show, CA Advertising, Graphis, and The London International Automotive Awards. Heather and Will talk about the excitement that can come from The Great Pause happening now, breaking the portfolio mold, building an in-house creative team and how in-house agencies use outside agencies. They also discuss the in-house agency structure and model, the Whole Foods working culture, evaluating creative partners, live-streaming and remote shooting, the types of marketing that creatives are sending and the importance of mentoring.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromA

Heather Black is a Senior Integrated Freelance Producer based in NYC. She currently freelances at 21 Grams with previous experience at such creative agencies as 72andSunny, Droga 5, Deutsch and Preacher on accounts such as Adidas, Coca-Cola, Facebook, Google, Harley Davidson and Under Armour. The Heathers talk about production for advertising, the importance of mentors, the state of the industry, especially for freelance producers and integrated productions across broadcast and print. They also discuss creating project estimates and marketing during Covid as well as Heather B’s process for selecting potential creatives for a project.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Heather Black’s portfolio here https://www.heatherblackproducer.com/, on I

Jason Lindsey is a Photographer and Director on the Heather Elder Represents roster. Jason was a creative director in a previous life, and he shares how those skills help him navigate our new normal. Heather and Jason talk about creating meaningful content under Covid restrictions, researching safety protocols, streaming technologies for on-set and on-location (cellular internet, wireless hotspots, multiple carriers, etc.) and pre-production. They also discuss Covid protocols, managing streaming calls and communications for clients, what agencies and clients can do now to prepare for the content they want in the future and using Covid as a creative inspiration versus a restriction.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Jason Lindsey’s portfolio

Mark Seliger is a New York-based photographer and director who created iconic images for Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. He has famously photographed A-list actors, musicians and politicians. Heather and Mark talk about how he began his career, falling in love with photography through its process, creating images through ideas and concepts, the role of access in photography success, tapping into the creative potential of a project, finding the ultimate empowerment of an artist, becoming your own brand and how clients are looking for creative partners differently than before. They also discuss self-assignments, the purpose of one’s art and how to be reflective about one’s art, where the industry is going and the value of printed photography.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the

Steve Ross is Head of Production at Allstate in Chicago. He worked with McGarryBowen for years but recognized that the industry was changing and moved to Allstate where he’s helping to set up their in-house agency.  Heather and Steve talk about the perspective of being on the agency side and the brand side, setting up new internal processes and structures in the time of Covid-19 and the limitations of shooting remotely vs. on-set. They also discuss padding pre-production and post-production time, more efficient communications processes and how artists are staying in touch.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guest: Find Allstate’s Head of Production Steve Ross on LinkedIn.  More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on

Adina Hilton is a Producer at Dagger in Atlanta. Dagger is an independent agency that recently won Silver in AdAge’s Southeast Small Agency of the Year. And despite the pandemic, it is still growing. Adina produces all of the video and photo shoots at the agency, and her busiest account is the social work they do for Aflac.    Heather and Adina talk about the important role of mentors, taking your mental and physical health seriously in your work life, directing talent remotely, developing Covid production guidelines, organizing multiple backup plans and production “bubbles.” They also discuss marketing to producers and agencies with solution-oriented messaging, supporting local businesses and multitasking successfully.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about ou

Jonathan Hanusa is a Producer at Bader Rutter in Milwaukee. He’s been working as a producer, director and musician for over 10 years. His background includes broadcast commercials, web videos, podcasts, indie films and music videos. Currently, he’s in a hybrid role as a traditional agency producer and lead producer for Bader Rutter’s in-house production resource.  Heather and Jonathan talk about how to communicate your capabilities to agencies, clients and brands, techniques for collaboration, expectations around still and motion shoots, establishing the value of productions. They also discuss how video work shifted to podcasting during the pandemic, sharing information during this time and having back-up plans for talent and locations, pre-production and set choreography and marketing.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning p

Ally Godfrey is a Senior Producer at Mary Kay and is based in Dallas, Texas. She’s on the global design team of global brand strategy and design, and she coordinates all still and video content for all Mary Kay global countries. Ally was formerly at The Marketing Arm and was also a rep.  Heather and Ally talk about understanding the post-production process with motion projects, set efficiency, broadcast producers learning more about still photography, pivoting productions in the time of Covid. They also discuss making as many creative decisions as possible in the pre-production process, virtual art direction and insights around how creatives are marketing themselves--especially speaking to how they’re shooting with safety protocols.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

Brenda Whaley is an Executive Producer based in Chicago who has been producing for 15+ years. Heather and Brenda talk about the path to being an executive producer, the art of delegating and hiring go-to staff as well as what they’re learning while shooting in the time of Covid-19. They also discuss educating clients on new production protocols, how to control viewing shoots remotely, social distancing, location shoots versus studio shoots, managing catering, added time and budget for pre-production and how to maintain professional boundaries.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guests: Find Executive Producer Brenda Whaley on LinkedIn and Instagram.  Mentions:  Create in Place Directory - Produce still and motion content now with photographers and direct

Doug Menuez is a professional photographer based in New York, and Lynda Goldstein is a freelance producer with Pix Producers. They collaborated on a project called “Sheltering” following strict Covid-19 CDC guidelines with PPE and social distancing. Heather talks with them about pre-production best practices, production safety support, choreography on set, compliance personnel, finding talent during the pandemic and how to best work when clients aren’t present.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work. More about our guests: Find photographer Doug Menuez on Instagram. Find Lynda Goldstein on Instagram.  Mentions:  “Sheltering”  More about your host: Heather Elder’s Bio Heather Elder’s Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn He

Tim Tadder is a professional photographer based near San Diego, and Dahlia Weidmann is Tim’s executive producer. Heather talks with them about estimating jobs and creating content within the Covid-19 protocols as well as sourcing shoot protocol information (CDC, APA, OSHA, etc.). They also discuss how Tim rediscovered his pure creative style when shoot sizes were minimized, creative collaborations by working remotely, the roles and responsibilities of safety officers on set, taping off department sections with colored tape that coordinates with arm bands (and other coronavirus safety protocols), streaming communication channels on set and what agencies and clients can do now to prepare what productions will be like in the future.   In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.