Dear Art Producer

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

Mike Bilbrey has been with Leo Burnett for 28 years; he comes on the show today to share an enormous wealth of experience and share his tips and advice on subjects ranging from bidding to ideal website maintenance. Tune in for an in-depth discussion with Mike, the unflappable industry veteran!   Key Takeaways [:32] Heather introduces Michael Bilbrey and asks him to share the story of how he made his way into the advertising industry. [7:02] Leo Burnett was taken over by a holding company; Mike shares how it affected the company — knowing that once you’re a Burnetter you’re always a Burnetter! [8:43] Mike shares something surprising about himself, and what it taught him that he uses in his career, he also touches on what it takes to be a good producer. [14:17] Leo Burnett wrote the book on bidding — and they wrote it well — Mike and Heather dive into the details of the firm bid process. [26:17] Email blasts are a great way to keep in touch with Mike, and he explains how to time them appropriately. He speaks to

Sandra loves partnering with creatives to weave visual stories. She is energetic, insightful, and generous and comes on the show today to shares her experience as well as a heap of invaluable tips. Tune in for a very dynamic episode!   Key Takeaways [:32] Heather introduces Sandra Sanchez and asks her to share how she made her way into art production from studying journalism and PR. She shares a surprising fact about herself. [7:45] Having worked under a decade in the industry is still enough time for Sandra to have seen changes. [10:37] It seems to be more difficult for broadcast producers to learn art production than the other way around, Heather and Sandra share their thoughts on why that may be. [15:20] Motion is a frequent ask, and more of it comes with bigger productions. Sandra speaks to how she chooses trustworthy people for her larger projects. [18:40] Sandra Shares a bunch of tips for photographers’ websites and talks about what makes a good site for an art producer. [20:39] On getting Sandra’s atte

Today’s episode is an expansion on the Dear Art Producer format! Monica Zaffarano, Photoshoot Producer and Founder of Trybe Production Collective comes on the podcast to share her experience on the importance of relationships, the growing prevalence of motion, and how to stay relevant in a changing industry.   Key Takeaways [:32] Heather introduces Monica Zaffarano and asks her to share how she made her way into production from ballet, musical theater, and acting. [5:45] Monica speaks about how Trybe Production Collective came about, the constantly evolving industry and why she ended up having to also do some freelance art buying! [11:15] Heather touches on a public collaboration idea she has been toying with regards to producers — but she has her hands full! [12:39] Monica and Heather speak to having a second person. [14:44] How does Monica keep it all together? Balance and boundaries are important, don’t say yes to too many things. [18:47] Most jobs have motion in them now, Monica details what that means op

Melanie Trombly shares a healthy dose of energy and experience, both production and agency side; tune in for an interesting discussion covering the creative call, snail-mail, and serendipitous dogs on Instagram!   Key Takeaways [:55] Heather introduces Melanie Trombly and asks her to share how she made her way into art production from touring and selling t-shirts to catalog houses — Melanie includes some tidbits about her stint in New Zealand working in a warehouse and as a tiler! [6:04] Melanie touches on the changes she has been seeing in the industry starting with the introduction of CGI, which leads to a conversation on the benefits of knowing the many facets of production in your agency. [11:42] Melanie speaks to the importance of communication when it comes to bids; she shares the process at her agency and touches on the client education she has to do. [17:30] The creative call is so important, Melanie shares her experience of a bad one as well as how she tries to make sure everyone has the right inform

Jamie Zimmermann is new to art producing; she joins the show to give a fresh perspective. Having been a rep, she shares how having seen both sides of the fence impacts how she tackles the job.   Key Takeaways [:55] Heather introduces Jamie Zimmerman and asks her to share the path that took her from studying photography in college, production, and repping, to where she is today. [4:45] Having been a rep, Jamie shares how she chooses to handle letting people know when they haven’t made the cut. Heather and Jamie also discuss what to do with large bid discrepancies. [8:13] Jamie touches on the budget differences she sees working with younger photographers as well as how social shoots manage to work with scrappier budgets. [11:44] Finding photographers for Jamie primarily goes through reps, because of the support system. [12:29] What advice does Jamie have for unrepped photographers looking to get hired? [14:27] Jamie will check a photographer’s Instagram to get a feel for their personality, but the creative call

Dawn comes on the show today and dives into a multitude of subjects ranging from photography not being the only option anymore, to where she picks photographers from, to the paramount importance of relationships — she shares what you should never hesitate to do if you’re looking to get yourself out there.   Key Takeaways [2:05] Heather introduces Dawn and invites her to talk about how she built her career at FCB Health, grew within the organization starting as a creative assistant straight out of college, and who some key people were in shaping the path that took her to where she is today. [9:23] In an industry that has seen so much change, Dawn touches on the increased workload that is required of people in a day thanks to technology, but also on the incredible variety of artistic visions we get to see because of it! [12:20] Dawn shares the crazy process of getting to the final three photographer choices starting with concepting — and the months and months of back and forth with the clients to hone in on wha

Kimber Leigh Nussbaum went from the theater to art production and grew up in the Golden Age of advertising. She shares her thoughts on the hustle of freelancing, social platforms, their usefulness and what photographers don’t know is shared about them behind the scenes.   Key Takeaways [2:05] Heather introduces Kimber and invites her to share the path that took her from a theater actress and singer to being Dave Jordano’s studio manager to where she is today. [6:12] Having “grown up” in the Golden Age of advertising photography, Kimber Leigh touches on the changes she has seen — starting with Dave Jordano’s beginnings with digital photography — and how digital has impacted workloads and schedules. [8:10] Kimber touches on how the 2008 depression impacted the client/agency/photographer relationships — after having bent over backward and compromised to keep accounts with skeleton budgets and crews in a depressionary economy, clients got savvy and expected more for less. [9:33] The best way Kimber has found to t