Dear Art Producer

Latest Episodes:

AI: A Conversation with Industry Leaders Rob Haggart (A Photo Editor) and Mary Dail (AMA President) Aug 03, 2026

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In this episode we talk with Rob Haggart (founder of A Photo Editor,) and Mary Dail (President of the Artist Management Association) for a candid conversation about the fear and uncertainty AI is stirring among artists, the ethics and legality of AI training on copyrighted work, the shifting language around usage rights, and how organizations like the AMA are working to educate artists and standardize contract protections.

Community Table: AI and the Agency Shifts: What Artists Need to Know Jun 25, 2026

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AI is reshaping the agency world and the way in which advertsing campaigns are concepted and created. In this episode, we sit down with Madi Nauta (Executive Producer, Anomaly) and Denise Knickerbocker (Freelance Art Producer) to talk through what the agency shift really means for working photographers and directors. From how briefs are changing to what clients are now asking for, this is a candid conversation about navigating a pivotal moment in our industry.

Community Table: Preacher Jun 02, 2026

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Heather and Kelly sit down with producers from Preacher to discuss the work, the challenges, and the changes creatives in the advertising industry are navigating: from AI and evolving client relationships to the way content is being created, consumed, and valued. Season 1, Episode 4 of Community Table.

Community Table: Pulling Back the Curtain, AI Inside Agency and Brands Jun 02, 2026

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In this special episode, Heather and Kelly sit down with two art producers from a large holding company and a creative director from an outdoor apparel sports brand to discuss how AI is reshaping creative work, shifting expectations around usage, and redefining the roles behind the work.

Community Table: Orchard Jun 02, 2026

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Heather and Kelly sit down with producers from Orchard to discuss the work, the challenges, and the changes creatives in the advertising industry are navigating: from AI and evolving client relationships to the way content is being created, consumed, and valued. Season 1, Episode 3 of Community Table.

Community Table: Droga Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Heather and Kelly sit down with producers from Droga to discuss the work, the challenges, and the changes creatives in the advertising industry are navigating: from AI and evolving client relationships to the way content is being created, consumed, and valued. Season 1, Episode 2 of Community Table.

124. Emily Cunningham, Creative Producer May 26, 2026

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In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder talks with Emily Cunningham, Creative Producer at JOAN Creative, about the unexpected path that led her into production and the fast-moving reality of agency life today.

Emily shares how she went from retail visual merchandising to Miami Ad School, where a chance invitation to a production meeting completely changed her career trajectory. After shifting from art direction into production under mentor Sherry Anderson, she eventually joined JOAN.

Known internally as JOAN's "queen of radio," Emily discusses producing everything from motion and audio projects to pitch rips and sizzles, while also serving as a key "historian" for client relationships and brand knowledge. She talks about the importance of bringing production partners in early as briefs evolve, how AI tools are currently being used for previs and creative exploration, and why business affairs conversations around risk matter more than ever.

Connect with our guest:

Emily Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyherringdine/

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123. Lauren Wood, Senior Producer May 12, 2026

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In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder talks with Lauren Wood, Senior Producer at GUT New York, about the art and reality of modern production.

Lauren shares her path from broadcast and her early days as an SNL page to agency roles at McCann and GUT, and breaks down the producer's role as the bridge between creatives, clients, and vendors and turning big ideas into executable work. She dives into the rise of social-first content, the current (and often misunderstood) role of AI in concepting, and why analog processes still matter in a fast-moving, budget-conscious world.

Along the way, Lauren offers practical insights on sourcing talent, running effective creative calls, navigating bids, and communicating with clarity, especially when timelines slip or decisions don't go your way.

This conversation is a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make great work happen today.

Connect with our guest:

Lauren Wood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-e-wood-285560a0/

More about your host:

Heather Elder's Bio

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122. Ali Berk, Head of Creative and Production Apr 21, 2026

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In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder sits down with Ali Berk, Head of Creative and Production at Billie, to talk about building a career that blends creative vision with production leadership.

Ali shares her journey from menswear design at Tommy Hilfiger to editorial, then into agency life at 72andSunny and Wieden+Kennedy, working with brands like HBO, Google, and Adidas, all before stepping into her current in-house role at Billie. She unpacks what it really means to lead both creative and production, from shaping brand storytelling across touchpoints to producing work within the realities of annual budgets.

The conversation dives into how she approaches collaboration, why strong creative partnerships matter, and how thoughtful planning sets great work up for success. Ali also offers a clear-eyed perspective on AI's practical role, how she discovers and evaluates talent, and why transparency around budgets and usage is non-negotiable.

Plus: her take on skipping unnecessary triple bids and why the best artists know how to protect spontaneity on set.

Connect with our guest:

Website: https://www.helloaliberk.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-berk-9010636/

More about your host:

Heather Elder's Bio

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Heather Elder on Instagram

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Heather Elder on Facebook

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-berk-9010636/

121. AI Is Already in the Room: Protecting Rights, Pricing Access, Preserving Future Work Mar 02, 2026

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In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder welcomes Kelly Montez (apostrophe) and Jen Jenkins (Giant Artists) to discuss AI's rapidly accelerating impact on artist representation and production, drawing on their work on the Artist Management Association's AI committee. The episode covers why slowing down to be intentional matters, the difference between walled gardens and open systems, and challenges around access, traceability, and work migrating from internal to external use. They also outline AI usage tiers and related fees (including upload fees), highlight the importance of restricting data learning, and discuss indemnification, likeness risks, and negotiating confidently without seeming difficult through checklists, collaboration, and bringing business affairs into discussions. Connect with our Guests: Giant Artists Apostrophe

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it's helpful to hear from those on the front lines. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARepsJournal.com; visit HeatherElder.com for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

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