Join us for our first video episode, now available to watch on Youtube! This week, Justin chats with Dan Blaney, an accomplished head of production, now working as Executive Director of Production at Fig.

Dan has an impressive resume that includes roles at Wieden+Kennedy, BBDO, Apple, and more. The discussion explores various subjects including what it really means to be a great producer in advertising, not just as a manager of budgets and schedules, but as a creative partner, mentor, and problem-solver.

Dan shares personal stories from his career working on major campaigns for brands like Bud Light, AT&T, Apple, and the Jordan Brand, including behind-the-scenes insights from large-scale productions, Super Bowl activations, and high-pressure shoots where there’s only one chance to get it right. He emphasizes the significance of viewing roles beyond transactions, encouraging creative voices, and maintaining passion and dedication in the advertising field.

Dan also discusses what makes creative collaboration succeed: from choosing the right directors and production partners, to creating space for ideas to come from anywhere, and knowing when to speak up to make the work better. Throughout the episode, Dan emphasizes a simple but powerful philosophy: there’s always a way to make it happen, regardless of budget or scale.

This episode offers practical insight, hard-earned perspective, and a refreshing reminder that great work comes from curiosity, empathy, and collaboration. You don’t want to miss Dan’s insights here.

Links:

• Dan’s Site - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/
• Bud Light: Up For Whatever - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/#/bud-light-up-for-whatever/
• The Talk: P&G - https://www.danblaneyproducer.com/#/new-page/

If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts.

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.

Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com

Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - michaelhrtmn4@gmail.com

Join us for the second in a series of director interviews from the roster of Cry, the creative and post studio behind this podcast. Next up on the list is none other than Mwita Chacha, an expert at documentary storytelling.

Mwita’s work has been featured on HBO Max, Discovery+, CNN, Vox, PBS, and yes, even a Vimeo staff pick. He’s even had the opportunity to do a project for CNN with Wolf Blitzer on the Holocaust Museum. His latest feature documentary, To The Ends, explores real-time storytelling in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. Needless to say, his work has touched the hearts of many, and we think you should check it out if you're not already familiar.

Mwita’s conversation with Justin explores Mwita’s journey into filmmaking, inspired by his father’s nonprofit work in Tanzania, organically developing into a career. They discuss Mwita’s approach to creating authentic interviews, which is a game-changing system. They also discuss ethical considerations in documentary storytelling and how Mwita’s diverse experiences shape his perspective on filmmaking.

If you are curious on how you can level-up your documentary storytelling techniques, you’ll want to make sure you listen to this one.

Links:

• Mwita’s Work
• Mwita’s Site
• Mwita’s Instagram
• To The Ends Film

Resources:

• Uncover Your Story Guide & Handbook
• The Dignified Storytelling Handbook - Free Resource for Storytellers

If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts.

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.

Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com

Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - michaelhrtmn4@gmail.com

In this episode, Monica chats with Kat Urban, SVP & Head of Production at R&R Partners, about her journey from starting as an aspiring copywriter to becoming an award-winning producer with over 15 years global production experience.

Kat discusses her transitions within the industry, including her work on notable campaigns for brands like Adidas, Airbnb, and QuickBooks, and shares her insights into the importance of collaboration, understanding audience engagement, & the role of non-traditional advertising. She also discusses valuable strategies for working with incredible celebrity talent, (names like Ryan Reynolds, Danny Devito, & Serene Williams, to name just a few).

Kat stresses the value of persistence, collaboration, and not being afraid to voice one's insights and opinions, making this episode a treasure trove of wisdom for both new and experienced professionals in the advertising and film industries.

Links:

• Kat's Site
• LVCVA Campaign - Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas
• Adidas World Cup 2022
• Quickbooks: Get Yours with Danny DeVito

If you want a shoutout in a future episode please leave us a written review on Apple podcasts.

From CRY, a Creative, Production, and Post house based in New York City.

Brought to you by CRY www.filmcry.com

Intro mixed by Micheal Hartman - michaelhrtmn4@gmail.com