Dear Art Producer

Alicia Hansen is a professional photographer and Founder of NYC SALT, a non-profit organization which creates opportunities in visual arts and pathways to college for underserved New York City youth, by engaging them in a rigorous blend of professional photography instruction, one-on-one mentoring, college-preparatory workshops, and career exposure. Heather and Alicia discuss how the SALT youth development program works, positive anecdotes and success stories, approaches to online portfolio reviews and the Prints by Salt Print Sale.   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 Hansen, Founder & CEO of NYC SALT on LinkedIn.  Mentions:  NYC SALT - https://www.nycsalt.org/ SALT Print Sale - https://printsbysalt.com/  More about your host: Hea

Tess Rockers is a Producer at Evolution Bureau (EVB) and Jennifer Davick is a Food director, DP and still photographer on the Heather Elder Represents roster. They recently created four motion spots for a cookware client, and they talk about how they did the production under COVID-19 restrictions.  Heather, Tess and Jennifer discuss the Create in Place online directory of photographers and videographers that are able to create content from within their own studios or homes, the evolving protocols, solutions and equipment for remote shooting, production and live-streaming, the need for creative flexibility when there are smaller crews, setting realistic expectations for clients and teams, best practices for group discussions and one-on-one discussions during virtual meetings. They also cover topics such as how to select what team members should be part of the virtual decision-making, communications manager roles, the heightened importance of pre-production, doing trial runs of virtually communicating and produ

Karin Onsager Birch is Chief Creative Officer at FCB West in San Francisco. She is creatively responsible for the Levi’s and Clarks brands worldwide. Karin is also known for frequent wins at Cannes, the One Show, and YouTube Top 10. Before joining FCB West, she was in London at Blue Hive running Ford’s advertising across Europe, and before that at Goodby Silverstein & Partners.   Heather and Karin discuss the Create in Place online directory of photographers and videographers that are able to create content from within their own homes, the necessity of clear communication among everyone involved in productions, challenges of maintaining high levels of creativity while working from home and what clients are doing right now to adjust to this pandemic and repurpose campaigns (e.g. going back through historical work to find the most optimistic and uplifting work that reflects the common good). They also speak about working with clients to completely change campaigns that no longer work in this moment, talking

Emily Hoskins is Senior Producer at The Designory. She’s based in Long Beach, CA. She works with clients such as Subaru, Infiniti and Nissan.  She has spent time as an agent, an advocate for photographers and directors on the rep side of the business and currently applies that experience to her agency productions.   Heather and Emily discuss what post-pandemic insurance and cancellations (example: force majeure) might look like, how photographers should be protecting themselves regarding terms and conditions, the creative solutions that are safely being offered, such as shooting in home studios, tech-based solutions and access to their stock libraries. They also speak to what the next phase of production might look like, the way that brands will redefine their message and their stories, how photographers should communicate and market their capabilities and the unexpected partnerships and relationships that will emerge after the pandemic.  In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hea

Renee Jung is VP/Executive Art Producer at Area 23 in NYC. She is an award-winning art producer who began her career as a photographer but realized being behind the scenes was more of her calling. She spent many years as a photo agent and producer to then find that the ad agency life was where she wanted to be. Heather and Renee discuss the challenges with balancing the to-do list and taking care of oneself emotionally while WFH; photographers who are setting up shoots in their homes with their families; solutions for creating content using CGI, 2D illustrations and stock; marketing strategies; advice on housekeeping and reflecting on your work during this time; and the future of productions. 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 NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.   More about our guest Find Renee Jung

Ken comes on the show as the first repeat guest! This episode is filled with tips and advice as well as very thoughtful conversations about the current ways we work and how these can be improved to the benefit of all.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather welcomes Ken and asks him to share his background from being a photographer to freelancing today. [3:15] Ken shares a little about what he does at AtEdge and he talks about current styles. [7:00] The state of the industry has drastically changed and is poised to keep doing so, Kenneth shares his take on it and the challenges he sees on the horizon, from the rise of social to the extensive range of media formats available today. [11:20] Ken and Heather discuss the importance for a photographer to be clear on their studio capabilities. [12:35] The all-important creative call! Ken shares advice for the softer spoken or timid people: practice, and ask questions. [15:54] Treatment or call first? Heather and Ken chat about the possibility of sandwiching the treatment betw

Jennifer Dee is VP/Director Integrated Creative Services at McCann Health in New Jersey. She’s been with the agency for 25 years, and she and Heather discuss some of the things McCann Health is doing to humanize this virtual working experience for its employees, pivoting in-the-moment on productions (from live action to CGI), how they’re attempting to execute even when the timelines haven’t shifted, telling great stories with limited storytelling tools, the value of a steady stream of stock from artists, how talent is the biggest pain point, setting new production precedents and expectations, marketing to agencies and the future of productions. In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front line. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.   Mentioned in this episode House Party Face-to-Face App   More about our guest Find Jen

A popular guest returns to the show to share insights and wisdom from his home office. Michael Kaminski is Executive Producer and Director of Production at the Creative Healthcare Agency Juice Pharma in New York City, one of the epicenters of the coronavirus pandemic. Michael and Heather discuss the ensuing rise of illustration and animation in the absence of active shoots, how photographers and directors are creating stock libraries from their archives, the future of what productions will look like, appropriate and inappropriate marketing messages and tips for remote workflow and authentic connection with our community of creators. In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front line. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.   Mentioned in this episode Juice Pharma Worldwide Quip for Document Collaboration Zoom for Video Co

Jacki Angeletti comes on the show today to share her experience being a production consultant as well as having worked decades on the agency side. Tune in for an interesting glimpse into the mystery of production consulting.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Jacki and they jump right into talking about the lack of communication that occurs which may be the cause of the “cost consultant mystery.” [5:36] Why do clients hire third parties, cannot the agency provide the information? Jacki shares why she thinks production consultants are a thing. [6:41] Jacki speaks about how she likes to be involved at different stages, depending on the project and the producer. [8:35] Heather talks about her use of the hairy arm theory and asks Jacki to speak to how EVP handles their cost savings in a fair manner. [12:00] Get to know your cost consultant — and if not the individual, then the agency — so you can learn the best ways to work with them. [14:23] Heather talks about what she will be working on in her own practi

What does COVID-19 mean for the art production industry, and how can we prepare for the future? Wendy Gordon is Executive Producer of Work Production, an integrated content production company based in New York. In response to conflicting information and fears about safety, Wendy started the Facebook group "Production Resources Coronavirus" to provide a space where producers can share information, ask questions, and find community during this time of uncertainty. She joins the show to talk about what she's learning and how she's coping with social distancing. In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front line. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.     Mentioned in this episode Work Production Facebook Group: Production Resources Coronavirus   More about our guest: Wendy Gordon at Work Production Wendy Gordon on LinkedIn

Hannah is Founder and CEO of Grey House Productions, a very value-driven human-centric company, she comes on the show to share an enormous wealth of information on the business as it unfolds in a production house.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Hannah and asks her to share how she made her way from studying photography to founding Grey House Productions [6:11] Hannah explains how she keeps it all together — business and life — and it’s all about the team! But she also touches on the automation aspects that Grey House has been integrating to streamline operations. [8:21] Salsa dancing as a follower will help you turn off your ‘Type A’ personality for a while! [9:43] Clients come from three main avenues and Hannah details all of the ways brands come to work with the Grey House team. [11:37] Brands are getting smarter about creating and diversifying their shorter-lived content, and this may explain the increase in brand-direct work found at production houses. [12:37] Heather shares her perspective on t

Sheri comes to the show today to share her perspective of having been an art producer and blogger turned brand direct writer. She speaks to the industry changes that propelled her into new avenues in advertising and shares tips for the people out there looking to pivot, as well.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Sheri and asks her to share how she made her way into art buying, blogging and writing by way of photo repping, trend forecasting, and forging her own path from NY to Miami. [5:47] The golden age of advertising — amazing hard work! [9:14] A New York girl at heart, Sheri went back to the East Coast and immediately started working freelance and her network enabled her to be successful at it. [11:00] Sheri touches on how experience affects the kinds of jobs you can land as a freelancer; obviously, we all want that great creative contract! [13:34] The future of agency advertising wasn’t for Sheri in terms of production, so she built change for herself. [16:22] Sheri and Heather speak to the changes

Amy comes on the show today to share her award-winning experience in broadcast TV, digital, and content creation for luxury and beauty brands. She also provides insight into working brand direct and the art of celebrity and social influencer talent.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Amy and asks her to share how she made her way into production from being a magazine photo editor to jumping into advertising and proceeding to work for a long list of brands endorsed by celebrities! [9:53] Heather’s dogs make an appearance in the podcast. [10:51] Amy touches on the changes she’s seen at the agency, brand and freelance levels. [12:59] Heather breaks down a timeline of what used to be asked of her in terms of content as opposed to what is being required nowadays. [17:20] Amy currently does mostly brand direct work, she explains why this type of work is increasing as well as how the creative process goes on in-house. [21:32] Getting work as a freelancer unfolds at a different pace, but networking still takes

Jean joins the show to talk about the changes she is seeing in the industry today — it used to be called the business, back in the day. Tune in for a free-flowing conversation on the evolution of advertising, from the advent of influencer marketing to increasingly complex NDA’s.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Jean and asks her to share the story of how she made her way into such an interesting title! From Ogilvy to Tiffany to Ritz by way of Robert Mapplethorpe and Annie Liebowitz, Jean collaborated with a long string of creative pearls. [5:52] Jean speaks to the evolving ethos of the advertising industry as well as what she understands as being the biggest change in the business: consolidation and holding companies. [9:02] Having been at the forefront of the digital revolution in the industry, Jean can speak to the increasing speed at which changes are occurring. [12:13] Jean recounts the advent of influencers. [14:49] Now that Jean is consulting, the changes continue still with the clients being mo

Adrienne Darnell comes on the show to share her own unique style of production and film photography. She is a bold, fearless, creative museum goth and she shares a wealth of hope and advice for driving your own path in a changing industry.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Adrienne and asks her to share the story of how she made her way into production and photography from studying to be an English teacher in Alabama. [5:17] A lot of Adrienne’s current job is to find new talent; she touches on how her own path informs why she does what she does. [8:06] Treatments are super important especially as competition increases. Adrienne and Heather talk about the increasing ask for curated PDF and the labor-intensive bidding process. [11:39] Instagram is a huge tool for finding photographers — that’s where you’ll find the new and the unusual — even if she does do meetings and use books and websites. [14:24] Adrienne talks about commercial shoots with inexperienced photographers, it’s important that everyone be

Heather is honored to welcome Michael Kaminsky to the show. With 15 years of experience in-house as well as experience as a photographer himself, Michael brings a wealth of information, tips, and insights and just all-around wisdom to listeners.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Michael and asks him to share the story of how he made his way into in-house photo and video production by way of photography — shooting rock stars such as The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, U2. [7:02] Michael speaks to the importance of paying your dues and surrounding yourself with mentors and people that are stronger, better, and faster than you. [8:02] Heather and Michael talk about three kinds of persistence — one of them is a no-go! And they touch on the networking aspect of this business. [11:34] There aren't many things people don’t know about Michael, except this one thing he ate for B.B. King! [12:57] Michael gives a detailed explanation of the inner workings of content creation at JUICE pharma. [16:42] Finding photographer

Teri is a producer at a super-secret tech company! She joins the show today to talk about what experiences are priceless in this industry, how to grab her attention and some of the inner workings of her company.   Key Takeaways [:32] Heather introduces Teri and asks her to share the story of how she made her way into art production after initially falling in love with advertising while watching Thirty Something when she was very young! [6:54] Teri touches on the skills she learned in her early career that she still uses today — she mentions the iconic waitressing experience! [9:15] A good accountant person is worth their own weight in gold! [11:20] A surprising thing about Teri is hard to find; she is readily transparent and very direct — what you see and hear, is what you get. [12:00] Teri’s previous roles usually had her in more intermediate-sized budgets so she hasn’t felt the enormous drop in finances other people may have, however, the onset of digital has had an impact on the amount of competition out t

Haley Silverman joins the podcast to share her experience working as a freelance integrated producer in many different agencies. She speaks to the industry changes she has seen, the most important things to have on your website, the advantages and disadvantages of working freelance, and her distracting Corgi.   Key Takeaways [:30] Heather introduces Haley and asks her to share the story of how she made her way into production by way of being a rep and going crew side! [5:11] Haley touches on what each of the roles she played has given her both professionally and personally. [6:23] Who did Haley meet on her very first commercial shoot? And you’ll be surprised to find out what her creative outlet is — Heather and Haley digress a little! [7:21] Haley on obstacles she overcame and what freelancing has allowed in terms of freedom from politics; Heather shares her own story in that regard. [9:36] Having freelanced at many different agencies, Haley shares her perspective on the changes and trends she has witnessed,

Milagros has been in the industry for 30 years and she comes on the show to share her advice on the importance of relationships, what we should see on your website, and team synergy, as well as her best tips on the estimating process.   Key Takeaways [:32] Heather introduces Milagros and asks her to share the story of how she made her way into the advertising industry from a political major as well as the people that shaped her path and propelled her forward. [4:04] Heather shares her own start as an account person when everything was so brand new and Milagros touches on the industry’s hay day — but come to terms with it ’cause it’s gone! [9:45] Getting Milagros’ attention goes primarily through email, but she does enjoy the moments at Leo Burnett when the reps come in and share the recent work they have on their roster. She shares her e-classification system! [12:25] Milagros touches on how her team finds photographers for specific projects, it usually starts with six to seven photographers. [13:40] Websites

Today on the podcast, we welcome superstar agent Kelly Montez, CEO of Apostrophe reps. She’s been an agent for 18 years and has been a first-hand witness to the many changes affecting our industry.   Tune in for our first in-depth conversation with a rep on the importance of community, exciting industry changes, and the need for law degrees!   Key Takeaways [:32] Heather introduces Kelly and asks her to share the story of how she made her way into the advertising industry and the people and businesses that shaped her path and propelled her forward. [6:18] Find out what advice Heather gave Kelly when she was starting out that she still finds worth sharing in both professional and personal settings! [9:40] Kelly shares how motion and brand direct conversations are the most exciting changes she is currently fielding in the industry. She touches on how it affects working relationships, the photographers and the entire creative process. [11:44] 80% of the bids that come in have some motion aspect to them, and as a