In Your Head by Nilufer Yanya, directed by Molly Daniel, commissioned by ATO Records, produced by Nikola Vasakova / GiF
Nikola Vasakova is a producer, film curator, and programmer based in London. She’s also the founder of GiF (Girls in Film). Nikola talks about her start in production, Girls in Film, her upcoming talk at SXSW, and why she loves her work: “I am honoured to be basking in the light of so many incredible women.”
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8,934 WNW creatives took part in this year’s Top Companies survey, and named 2,832 companies. Here are the 50 that rose to the top. For the first time, we're ranking the results in order. Click here to see who made the cut.
Read MoreWe're bringing Working Not Working's creative community together for cocktails and a conversation to support female filmmakers. Moderated by filmmaker Ondi Timoner, who has the rare distinction of winning Sundance's Grand Jury Prize twice, we'll discuss the future of women in film with a panel of Erika Olde, CEO of Black Bicycle Entertainment, Montea Robinson, Managing Director of Ghetto Film School, and Oscar-nominated director Jessica Sanders.
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When WNW Member Sarah Herron isn't working as an advertising Art Director, she leads a double life as a reality TV personality. Both experiences have helped prepare her for her next and most personal adventure yet, SheLift. As Sarah puts it, "SheLift is a nonprofit that empowers girls to conquer their personal obstacles, discover self-compassion and inspire others by providing them with the tools, experiences and mentorship to work towards living an inspired, authentic life."
In our interview below, Sarah discusses how only 72andSunny and its approach to advertising could have prepared her for the challenges of making SheLift a reality. She also opens up about the tough but ultimately essential decision to leave her full-time job and fully dedicate herself: "Even though we still have a challenging year ahead, I’ll always be happy knowing I gave [SheLift] 100% and the attention it deserved to thrive."
As for her time on The Bachelor, Sarah calls it life-changing. "It gave me the confidence to overcome some pretty debilitating confidence issues. I was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, and as a result grew up with only one arm. I decided to participate in the show in an effort to face my fears and own my story in the most vulnerable way possible." We're pretty sure Sarah holds the distinction of being the only WNW Member to appear on The Bachelor. And having been on three seasons, which makes her an official dating pro, it seemed only right that we also pry her for some dating advice for all you single creatives.
If you're interested in helping SheLift, you can donate here or show your love by picking up a sweet "Maybe You Literally Can Even" t-shirt.
I graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Advertising / Graphic Design. Immediately after graduation, I picked up my internship at 72andSunny where I spent 6 more years learning from the best in the industry.
SheLift is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers girls to conquer their personal obstacles, discover self-compassion and inspire others by providing them with the tools, experiences and mentorship to work towards living an inspired, authentic life.
I was called to create SheLift after appearing on ABC’s The Bachelor. The experience was life changing as it gave me the confidence to overcome some pretty debilitating confidence issues. I was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, and as a result grew up with only one arm. I decided to participate in the show in an effort to face my fears and own my story in the most vulnerable way possible. When I appeared on the show, I started getting fan-mail and messages from girls all across the country who were just like me. The girls would write telling me how much it meant to see someone "like them” finally represented in mainstream media. I’ve since appeared on the show 3 times – no longer as a means to find a husband, but rather to bring awareness to girls with disabilities at home that we are not as perfect and confident as TV and social media might portray.
After a lot of soul searching and self-healing I saw an opportunity to provide mentorship to girls in a way that is unique to me – through sport and social influence. SheLift is a program that empowers girls at an early age to have the confidence to conquer any obstacle.
I’ve always found that conquering physical challenges is synonymous with building self-confidence. Being that I am a Colorado native and outdoor enthusiast, I knew outdoor adventure would be the perfect vehicle to get girls to discover what they’re capable of doing and boost self esteem.
The day I decided to quit my job in advertising and pursue SheLift full time was my proudest moment. It made it feel real. The outpouring of support and belief in my decision made me confident it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Even though we still have a challenging year ahead, I’ll always be happy knowing I gave it 100% and the attention it deserved to thrive.
Fundraising has been the most difficult part of starting SheLift. Everything else has been surprisingly easy. I credit the ease and speedy development solely to our mission. When you have a great mission that people are inspired by, they’ll move mountains to help you get it done. Committing money is another feat.
SheLift’s brand model relies heavily on social media and influence. We’re really leaning into our brand partners and social ambassadors to help make SheLift not just an organization, but a movement. WNW members can help by spreading the word and connecting brands / donors who might share alignment in our mission.
The great thing about 72andSunny is when you take on a role as a creative, an account director, a producer, a strategist etc., you’re not just that one role – you’re all of them. When I made the decision a year ago to take on a new production position, I think it was foreshadowing from the universe. Operating SheLift has required me to put all my skills to use: design, writing, ideation, budgeting, project managing and more. I truly credit 72andSunny for giving me the learning opportunities and experiences to put SheLift together.
Dating advice: Ladies, we all can and SHOULD be our own Bachelorettes. Dating should be fun, and if you’re 30-something and single, make the most out of it! You are worthy and deserving of having multiple men wanting to be with you. You are smart, creative, driven and have a bad-ass job. YOU ARE A CATCH.
As for creative couples, it’s like any other relationship. The best ones take work, cooperation and understanding. Creative people are passionate, emotional, and opinionated. If boundaries aren’t respected, relationships, whether work or romantic, will become toxic. Practice patience and empathy!
There have been several contestants who’ve come off the show and attempted to parlay their exposure into a business opportunity. Some more successful than others. The exposure and “fame” you get from appearing on the show is fleeting and I think a lot of contestants think they need to jump on the hosting/acting/modeling train and rarely that works out. I never saw my exposure on the show as an opportunity to capitalize. SheLift found me and I feel very fortunate to have been given a platform for social empowerment.
Some of my greatest influences have been the partners and leaders at 72andSunny. Glenn Cole, John Boiler and Matt Jarvis are some of the smartest people I’ve ever met.
I wanted to be an artist since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’m doing exactly what I was meant to be doing, sharing my ideas with the world.
I’m never not working.
When you grow up you’re going to meet Leonardo DiCaprio, and go on amazing dates that are on TV, and everything is going to be AMAZING.
SheLift!
Norway Tourism, photography by Ake Eriksson
As an experienced producer, WNW Member #5949 Carly Gray knows how to make shit happen. Efficiently, correctly, on time, and within budget. During her eight years at Wallpaper* Magazine, Carly worked with clients as diverse as BMW, Rolex, and Dom Pérignon. She now heads her own company, Carly Gray Production. We interviewed Carly on what it takes to get started when trying to make the impossible possible. It turns out getting motivated is easy for Carly: "I love every part of my job so I’ve never had trouble getting motivated."
But that doesn't mean shit never hits the fan: "Whilst on a 10 day travel shoot in Taiwan I had to manage 3 additional shoots in Brazil, France and Switzerland (with no Blackberry). We somehow managed to pull off a 24 page travel supplement, 8 page fashion shoot, 4 page art feature and 3 designer videos for Mercedes. Seeing the final results you forget the craziness around each project."
1. Schedule everything
2. Don’t stress - if you feel like you are doing everything you can to make a project a success, it will be, and a happy client keeps you motivated.
3. Build relationships - having brilliant clients and creatives to work with makes each project fun. It also makes it easier when working in pressurised situations.
4. Keep creative - I post images on social media of things I love (always credit the artist) and often end up collaborating with the creatives I am inspired by.
5. Drink coffee!
Volvo, photography by Daniel Griffel
No project runs 100% smoothly so always expect the unexpected. You have to be prepared for any situation and know that there is always a solution to everything, so never stress.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a project realised and published. It is so exciting to work from an initial creative brief all the way through to the final results.
Before starting Carly Gray Production Ltd, I was the Bespoke Producer at Wallpaper* magazine. Travel was a big part of my role which meant weekly global trips. Frequently I had to turn around impossible shoots in days. Having an extensive blackbook of creatives now means I can always find a photographer to execute a project with beautiful results, regardless of where I am in the world.
Wallpaper* Time Supplement, photography by Sam Hofman
Whilst on a 10 day travel shoot in Taiwan I had to manage 3 additional shoots in Brazil, France and Switzerland (with no Blackberry.) We somehow managed to pull off a 24 page travel supplement, 8 page fashion shoot, 4 page art feature and 3 designer videos for Mercedes.
Seeing the final results, you forget the craziness around each project.
It is the most important part of my job and most of my freelance work today is down to relationships, whether it be with clients, photographers, creative talents, designers or interns. I keep in touch with everyone, after each project I always send a hand written thank you note to each contributor.
One of the nicest things I remember is walking into a famous photographer's studio in London and seeing all my thank you notes pinned on his studio wall.
Mr. Porter & Absolut Vodka
Yes! I organise everything…I love schedules and planning each part of my day so that I never have to rush. My diary is with me 24/7.
I collect. I have a vintage collection of glassware and tableware and travel to markets and vintage stores around the world.
Living in London is the ideal city for working in the creative industry, there are so many galleries, exhibitions and events to visit for inspiration. I regularly take a day out of my work schedule to visit galleries on my own and be inspired.
Christie's Magazine, portrait of Simon Costin, photography by James Mollison
Photography by Charles Negre, Wallpaper* Time Supplement
Photography by Jermaine Francis, Wallpaper* and Silhouette
Photo: WNW Member #3790 Jim Golden
Portlandia characters included, we've been hearing amazing things about Portland for years. Besides Wieden+Kennedy ruling the town, there are pockets of creative action - and craftsmen of all kinds - throughout the city. As a producer, WNW Member #3283 Bernadette Spear makes it her job to find all those creative hubs. With work-life balance a priority, Bernadette tells us that networking is done a bit differently in Portland, "There are no agents, reps, or go-betweens; you get to the creative people just by talking to them at a bar or floating down the river with them."
I grew up in Juneau, Alaska and spent 15 years living in Portland. I am currently in NYC and working in Chicago/NY for Havas Worldwide. There is a terrific group of creatives in Chicago, it has been a great start to a new year.
As for what I'm currently loving, there's a podcast called Adjust Your Tracking that's my favorite! It's two film savvy guys reviewing films and interviewing notable filmmakers. Be forewarned, there is a fair amount of colorful language. And on the internet, I’m obsessed with Instagram as usual.
I moved to Portland to finish college. It was 1/4 of the price tag of the school in Boston and some of my friends from high school rented a house in the woods for us. I figured I would finish school and end up back on the East Coast, but Portland turned out to be a terrific place to establish a career in filmmaking so I stayed, and stayed and 15 years went by and I bought a house….
Photo: WNW Member #3790 Jim Golden
Pretty much anything you can imagine can be achieved in Portland. It is a reasonably inexpensive place to live well and there are pockets of talented people all around willing and eager to collaborate.
You wouldn't know it at first glance that the guy at the end of the bar who looks like a regular guy wrote the screenplay to your favorite film.... In Portland, people who do cool things are just your buddies and neighbors, not people that are idolized and hidden away.
I find Portland's creative scene to be unlike any other city's. There are all these hidden creative people and gems of talent: craftsmen, people with a weird, random skill that is very Portlandia-esque. Portland is a really cool place because its affordable to live in, which is necessary as a creative to have resources at your disposal. People don’t have to work 80 hours a week to get by or spend that on their car like in LA. In Portland, they’re either at work or playing. There's more time to meet and interact. If I need someone who can build a structure, a motorcycle, robot, you can find those people and you don’t have to dig that deep. There are no agents, reps, or go-betweens; you get to the creative people just by talking to them at a bar or floating down the river with them.
Some of my favorite things: Having a house, a yard and being surrounded by creative people who work to live..... Oh, then there are the epic summers dedicated to backyard BBQ’s and floating the river.
The biggest challenge with living in Portland from a creative perspective is limited choices if you want to collaborate at a really high level. There are a ton of creative people but a finite number of places to work. There are times when there’s not a lot of work so you have to have your own side projects and be self-motivated and make those things like your other job.
Photo: WNW Member #3090 Neil DaCosta
I love Montavilla. I moved there in 2008 and I wouldn't change that choice for anything. It's a ten minute drive to downtown and a ten minute walk to Mt Tabor where you can get lost for hours in the trees and lovely vistas. One block from my front door is The Portland Garment Factory.
Other recommendations:
Una for shopping, Heart for Coffee and the Red Flag is hands down my favorite neighborhood dive bar. Beech Street Parlor for a civilized night of delicious food/cocktails and a likely impromptu dance party.
I'm a big fan of Alexander Barrett. We have worked together a few times over the years and aside from being a stellar copywriter, I mostly stalk his illustrations/ PSA's on Instagram Tuff Stuf. The daily posts of 2015 from Benji Brucker's wannahump.me also put me in a good mood.
Photo: WNW Member #3790 Jim Golden
Photo: WNW Member #3090 Neil DaCosta
Photo: WNW Member #3090 Neil DaCosta
Photo: WNW Member #3090 Neil DaCosta
WNW Member #4040 Katie Reardon is brand new to freelancing, having worked most recently as a producer at Wieden+Kennedy for 4 years. Katie's worked on a range of projects -- films, commercials, web content, music videos, photo shoots and installations, for clients that include Old Spice, Nike, Sony, Oreo, Target, and Travel Oregon. The Portland producer spoke to WNW about her ideal production environment and the process of marketing herself.
I'm a freshie. Just started freelance producing three months ago, June 2014. I hear though that you aren't really a freelancer until you've survived your first tax season.
I feel like I'm a better producer when I get to be more creative on collaborative teams. The best teams to me are the ones where everyone is doing lots of weirdo things -- the writer is using a power saw, the PA gets pulled in as talent and the VFX lead writes a joke. Getting to facilitate that sort of environment is when I feel like my producer skills are being used best in a creative way.
I also feel like I really hit my producer A-game when I'm on a project where we are traveling as a team or where there are little kids on set. People really bond as a creative group when they are in road trip mode together and it's really hard to be jerks to each other when little kids are on set. Travel gigs and little kid projects have for sure been my favorite projects I've produced in the past. The Travel Oregon "7 Wonders of Oregon" campaign I produced last year had both those ingredients -- 15 days of driving around Oregon with great people eating lots of beef jerky in a car and then on top of that we had two different little kids as talent that were so much fun to work with. Coaching a little kiddo to eat pancakes on camera was some of the best producing I've ever done in my career, for sure.
I kind of love always having projects on my plate, whether those are paid or not paid gigs. Projects make my world go round. I occasionally like to break from projects to take a breather and travel or something though. I'd say I'm paid-working 50%, un-paid-working 25% and not-working 25%. I prefer getting paid for jobs, don't get me wrong, but sometimes shooting photos of a pizza slice piñata with your best friends just for fun is totally worth your time.
Oh yeah. Most of my family loves to tell me when they see a new, funny TV commercial. They'll be like, "Did you make THAT one?!" I think the freelance hustle didn't really throw my parents for a loop at all either. Both of my parents worked all through my childhood and my dad owned his own company for a long time. I think being raised as a child of two working parents made me a very strong, independent person which is where I get a lot of my freelance mentality from.
That scene from The Jerk when Navin just needs his lamp. "The ashtray, this paddle game and the remote control... and the lamp. That's all I need. I don't need one other thing, not one... I need this."
I feel like Instagram and Facebook are my guilty pleasure comfort food equivalents of the website world. I'm a sucker for seeing what cool things my friends are doing and cute baby photos. The third would probably be the Bill Cosby GIF Tumblr because, you know, I'll probably need a good laugh while I'm stuck on that island.
I love traveling and adventuring. I feel like it's a really important part of my working and not working life. Meeting new people and seeing new places helps keep my brain spinning in weird creative ways for new projects -- new locations to scout, new people to cast, new ideas. My fiancé and I just got back from living in Barcelona for two months in between jobs. We loved it there and were able to really prioritize playing with photography projects and meeting new people and just wandering around. It was dreamy. Smaller, quicker adventures fit the bill too. Right now I'm trying to figure out how to get a van of my own so that I can ditch out for last minute adventures to the Oregon coast and fill my van with tons of thrifting finds.
I'm really good at dancing bad, but that's no secret.
Best thing I ever did was make a Spotify playlist that is specifically for when I do my business accounting, My Accounting Jams. But seriously, finding a way to make the chores of running your own business more approachable and personal is such an asset. It's easy to feel bombarded by all the tasks that are on your shoulders when you think it all has to be done textbook-perfect. Any way to take the edge off of the things that are scarier for you is wise. I was also terrified at first about marketing myself as a freelancer. But then I realized marketing myself for me just meant going out to happy hours and coffee dates with really cool people I wanted to talk to anyways and just gabbing about rad projects (beers = tax write offs!). Do it your way, make it your own.
I've been texting this dance party gif to friends all week. It's making us all laugh.
"Produced through Wieden + Kennedy. Worked with a really awesome director-friend, Christian Sorensen Hansen. The project was a dream for this Oregon raised girl. The cast is full of my friends and the crew was one of the best I ever worked with." Check out the full experience at TravelOregon.com/7Wonders, and #traveloregon your adventures once you make the trip.
"Produced through Wieden + Kennedy. Some how we convinced the clients to let us make over 50 weirdo videos using 12 different production companies simultaneously in 6 different time zones. Wild ride, for sure." See more weirdo videos at http://reardonk.com/OREO-Super-Important-Test.
"Produced through Nike directly. Video and photos shot by Carissa and Andrew Gallo of Sea Chant. Basically the Oregonian dream job. Got to go on some production adventures out to a sheep rancher's summer fields in Pendleton, Oregon. The best!" (Click on the image to view more.)
