December 05, 2023

How to Disney + the truth [w/ Derek Blais]

1 hour 2 minutes

Derek unpacks the Missing Matoaka project, and the true story of Pocahontas. He very candidly speaks about his family and his connection to the work as an Indigenous Canadian.

SEE THE WORK:
Missing Matoaka

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Derek Blais has been solving problems using creativity from a young age. Having attended a high school bearing Marshall McLuhan’s name, Derek became immersed in media theory, technology and all things Adobe. After starting his own company in high school and entering the ad world as a developer, Derek worked his way up, becoming the #1 Art Director in Canada along the way and regardless of having never attended university, gave a TEDx talk on creativity and collaboration at one.

His human-centric approach to the work and creative leadership are lauded by both his colleagues and his clients, with his work and the work of his teams having been recognized at every major national and international award show. His most recent project ‘Missing Matoaka’ was the most awarded Canadian campaign in Cannes this year and the most awarded Canadian campaign ever at The One Show with 16 pencils and two Grand Prix – making Derek the #1 ECD at The One Show.

He shares the same Forbes 30 Under 30 list as fellow Torontonian Drake and as a proud member of Oneida Nation of the Thames, he’s been calling this land home since time immemorial. Outside of advertising, Derek’s photography has been featured at Art Basel, his music videos have been recognized in Cannes and his most recent creative project, a seasonal restaurant on Georgian Bay landed him on the cover of Cottage Life magazine.

He's currently Chief Creative Officer at Lifelong Crush – Broken Heart Love Affair’s sister agency.

ADCC Created is brought to you by The Advertising & Design Club of Canada, hosted by Lyranda Martin Evans (Fellow Human), with music and studio care of Grayson Music.

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