I Wanted to Direct
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a film director, but what I thought a director did was probably more in line with a producer.
TV Tastemakers
I remember watching those Taster’s Choice commercials on TV where the neighbor would come over for coffee. In my first job in advertising, I got to work with the creative directors who did them.
A First Commercial
I interviewed at an ad agency and they said, “Oh, you went to film school so you know how stories work. Do you want to make a TV commercial for this retail account?”
The Location Challenge
I’m based in New York, but I’m in a global role that often brings me to LA. The difference between the two is that it is more challenging in New York to build deep relationships with content creators on OTT or streaming platforms because they tend to be based in LA.
Mutual Benefits
I think it’s really all about relationships now where both parties are going to benefit.
Meaningful Conversations
I was working on a reality show for Acuvue about teens working with celebrity mentors. I remember having a conversation with Joe Jonas, where he told me that he was really passionate about working with the Special Olympics but was struggling to find the time. We ended up building a great episode around that event with him. It was perfect for the show, and it wouldn’t have happened without that conversation.
The Authentic Voice
You bring the idea and you’re maybe 50% or 75% there, but then you engage that authentic voice to really make it their own.
It Pays to Care
We were awarded an Entertainment Lions Grand Prix at Cannes this year for the work we did for Johnson & Johnson. The film 5B, was about the nurses who pioneered the care for AIDS patients.
Sharing Ideas
I love any opportunity for the advertising and media communities to get together and share thoughts and ideas. Although agencies and clients are competitive, a forum like NewFronts West lets us set a tone and a guidepost for the work that we’re doing now and in the future.
A Second Home
I’ve lived in New York since 1993, but many of my friends have left New York to move to LA. I can literally walk down the street in West Hollywood now and bump into people I know.
Going Backstage
I recently went on a hike that took me up behind the Hollywood sign. Looking through those letters from where the scaffolding holds them up felt like being backstage on LA.
Watch Highlights from the 2019 NewFronts West Here