Creativity and innovation have always depended on collaboration — whether people are making art, building structures or innovating tech. But how does collaboration work in a time of distancing? How do we hack our way to health? Creatives often say they need to be in a room together and ‘feel the vibe’, yet we’re constantly finding new ways of creating togetherness apart. In this series, Kerrie Finch — founding partner of futurefactor — will sit down with creative collaborators to discuss how we can apply their insights to business and the world of creative communication. How have they adapted to the current situation? Have they discovered new ways to work, play and perform together? Join us for a left-field conversation on how to stay creatively connected during and post-pandemic.
Kerrie Finch – Founder Partner futurefactor
Prior to founding future factor (formerly FinchFactor) in 2009, Kerrie Finch was PR Director at Wieden+Kennedy. There she wrangled brands such as Nike and Heineken, Coca-Cola and Electronic Arts. Kerrie has been voted into Adformatie magazine’s top ten industry influencers for the pasts three years. As Founding Partner & President of future factor, Kerrie continues to drive change in the industry, while advancing her work as the Netherlands representative for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, board member of the ADCN, advisory board member of IncludeNow, and the founder of SheSays Amsterdam.
Vivian Opsteegh – Head of Film & Content MediaMonks, Founder Girls in Film
Vivian has been pioneering the art of storytelling in a digital landscape since the early 2000’s, when she worked for MTV Networks as Head of Digital Media, as well as in her tenure heading up Social Embassy. From this, she learned how to use engaging storytelling to connect with any audience. Now heading up MediaMonks’ global Films & Content team, Vivian is shaping the future of our integrated production offering for film and content, fit for a new era. She is also the founder of Girls in Film – a Dutch community platform that celebrates and showcases the work of female filmmakers.
Olaf van Gerwen – Founder and Global Creative Director Chuck Studios
Olaf is the co-founder and global creative director of Chuck Studios, a global food-specialist creative production company. Olaf got his start in advertising as an offline editor in 1997 and quickly learned the ins and outs of the industry. He soon began directing live action commercials and became a sought after director in Europe and Asia, winning multiple prestigious awards along the way. It wasn’t long until Olaf found his niche in food marketing, and in 2011 Olaf co-founded the food-specialist production company Chuck Studios. As the global CD, he has developed creative concepts and managed productions for some of the biggest brands in the world, including McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Burger King, KFC, Pepsi, Heineken and Douwe Egberts. Olaf’s work has been recognized with several Lions, Eurobest, Effie, Esprix and Epica awards.
Margo Mars – Dutch founder of Lief, a London based creative content studio
Margo Mars is the Dutch founder of Lief, a London based creative content studio, and one of the most respected producers across the UK. She has a proven track record for cultivating innovative and imaginative approaches to working, nurturing the careers of its exceptional and uniquely diverse filmmakers. As a partner of Free The Work, a nonprofit initiative founded by Alma Har’el dedicated to expand access for underrepresented creators, Lief promotes and celebrates inclusivity creating new culture-defining work with underrepresented voices of filmmaking today. Mars’ body of work has won numerous awards, including D&AD, British Arrows, Campaign, VMA and Tribeca X, as well as the Grand Prix at Cannes Lions. Her films have been funded by Tribeca Studios, The BFI Doc Society, The Guardian and Lush Film Fund.
