Dear Art Producer

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.

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