Agency Side

In this episode, we explore the inspiring career of Brett Winn, a filmmaker, cinephile, and marketing powerhouse. After graduating from Ithaca College, Brett left New Jersey behind and headed to Los Angeles, where he built an impressive career working with entertainment giants like FX, FOX, Disney, and more.

Brett’s creative journey includes co-directing the award-winning indie film My Date With Drew, one of the most profitable films ever made on a shoestring budget. As co-founder of The Refinery and now partner and Executive Creative Director at RAVE Collective, Brett has spent nearly 30 years crafting groundbreaking marketing campaigns for major studios, networks, and streaming platforms.

In this episode, we cover:
🎥 Brett’s transition from filmmaker to creative marketing leader
💼 The evolution of his career and building successful businesses
🎸 His passion for music and performing with his band, Aspen
🚗 Fun facts about his car obsession (he’s owned over 50!)
🏆 Lessons on perseverance, teamwork, and leadership

Whether you’re a creative professional, entrepreneur, or movie enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and fascinating stories from behind the scenes of Hollywood and beyond. 🎧

#AgencySidePodcast #EntertainmentMarketing #Filmmaking #CreativeLeadership #MarketingInnovator #InspirationForCreatives

In this episode of the Agency Side podcast, Justin Levinson speaks with Brian Worsley, a seasoned professional with experience at Warner Brothers and in minor league baseball. 

They discuss Brian's journey from the studio side to the agency world, the importance of collaboration and the revision process in creative work, and his current role in marketing for a minor league baseball team. 

Brian shares insights on the creative agency space, hiring practices, and his passion for both film and baseball, highlighting the interconnectedness of these industries.

In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Brian Dollenmayer, co-owner of Catalytic Creative, a dynamic agency focused on entertainment marketing. Brian shares his inspiring journey from working at Fox on the client side to launching his own agency, navigating the unique challenges of starting a business during the pandemic. He emphasizes the significance of nurturing client relationships and delves into the creative processes that fuel successful marketing campaigns.

Brian also reflects on his personal journey from Ohio to California, his aspirations for Catalytic Creative's future, and his role as an adjunct professor at Emerson College. The episode wraps up with a glimpse into Brian's hobbies and interests beyond his professional life. Tune in for a conversation filled with insights and inspiration! 

In this episode of the Agency Side podcast, Justin Levinson interviews Nathaniel Whitejoyal, president and owner of Scout Digital, a revenue marketing agency based in Burlington, Vermont. Nathaniel shares his journey from documentary filmmaking to digital marketing, discussing the evolution of Scout Digital and its focus on revenue marketing. The conversation covers business development strategies, the importance of data and ROI, client budgets, and the role of AI in marketing. Nathaniel emphasizes the need for product market fit and shares insights on books that have influenced his approach to business.

Scott Hayman, COO of Hammer Creative 🎮, explains how his agency brings video games to market, creating content for platforms like TikTok and Instagram. 

Working with top publishers like Epic and Microsoft, they develop go-to-market strategies, create key art, and capture game footage to showcase key features. They also assess campaign success using analytics and consumer feedback 💬.

Jason Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of Movement Strategy 🚀, shares how his agency helps companies adapt to social media changes using AI 🤖. 

He discusses their growth, key clients like the Denver Nuggets, the role of mentorship, and the importance of culture in his agency and personal life.

 Drew Cummins, owner of ScreenLand Creative, shares his journey from assistant editor to agency owner, highlighting the role of problem-solving and work ethic in his success. He reflects on his experiences in editing, producing, and creative directing, the importance of strong relationships, and his team's support in launching ScreenLand. 

Drew also discusses his favorite campaigns, the evolving theatrical marketing industry, and how his small company navigates challenges like tight deadlines, budgets, and technology, while offering insights on the future of the field. 

Mark McDermott, partner at Amplify, reflects on his path into the creative agency world and emphasizes the role of creativity and culture in shaping how audiences perceive brands. He talks about the challenges of launching a new agency in an unfamiliar market and the importance of taking a diverse approach to business development. 

Mark also explores the influence of technology on the industry, stressing the need to use it authentically to enhance brand communication. Outside of his professional life, Mark is passionate about collecting records, hosting parties, and skiing.

Andy Freedman, CEO of Substance Global, recounts his journey from film production and music promotion to founding an agency that started with film marketing and now spans healthcare and pharmaceuticals. He highlights challenges and opportunities across industries, the role of referrals, and the importance of leadership and business development. Andy also touches on staffing, the impact of AI, and his experience with a record label. He wraps up with advice for aspiring agency founders and job seekers.

Jeremy Schwartz, co-founder and managing partner of Truth Collective, shares his journey in the creative agency world. He started as an account guy but was drawn to the creative department. Schwartz and his partners started Truth Collective, focusing on honesty and authenticity in their work. They built relationships with past clients and brought in expert talent when needed. 

Some notable campaigns include working with LensCrafters and Luxottica on a millennial-focused campaign called See Good Daily and partnering with Fannie Mae on their Duty to Serve program. The conversation covers various topics related to running an advertising agency, including the importance of purpose and meaning in client work, the process of winning new business, pitching to potential clients, competing against other agencies, and the impact of technology on the industry. 

The conversation also touches on the creation of a side project called Punkzels, which was a puzzle brand focused on punk music. The advice for aspiring agency owners is to embrace change and be flexible.