In Conversation with DENTSU CREATIVE US’ Corby Dodge

​Corby Dodge manages the Chicago Studio in-house production facility, providing both production and post-production video services. Team members say his can-do mindset is legendary. He powered through multiple Cannes Lions video submissions and a full-day shoot in less than 72 hours for a new business pitch all while selling his home! 

Q> How would you explain your job to a small child? 

Corby> You know commercials on TV and YouTube? I help coordinate to make sure all the camera and sound people, actors and even animals all get together so we can make those commercials! 

Q> Tell us about your favourite project you’ve worked on and why?  

Corby> A recent business pitch came in fast and furious. We worked long hours over a holiday weekend to get ready. The shoot and edit ended up going smoothly, and the final product was very well received. That's always so satisfying. 

Q> How is your job uniquely creative? 

Corby> It's not a traditionally creative job, but it's all about finding creative solutions to projects and productions. I think of myself as being a tool in the arsenal to help execute a creative team’s vision, providing the client what they are hoping for, all while working within the budget and schedule constraints. It also allows for each project to be unique, satisfying and fun. I feel like I am always on my toes ready to pivot at any moment, so there is never really a dull moment 

Q> Tell us about your career path? 

Corby> After film school, I started as an intern working overnights at a production company here in Chicago. This was in the day of tapes and disc media before the industry went almost fully digital, so most of my time was ingesting shoot footage and bringing HD footage online for final edits. After a year, I was promoted to post-production supervisor. A former colleague then recommended me for a role at an agency that led to managing the full-service in-house production facility there. Now I'm at Dentsu Creative and couldn't be happier! 

Q> What advice would you give your younger self? 

Corby> Be confident, take chances and ask questions. If you truly want to be successful, be disciplined and dedicated to yourself and your career.  

Q> What is something that inspires you? 

Corby> Watching kids get excited about something. I'm an uncle of eight, so I've gotten to watch my nieces’ and nephews’ creativity churn for over 20 years. And now I have a toddler daughter who is just starting to understand the magic of the world. It's my absolute favorite thing to watch her face light up when she's excited about something new. 

Q> What’s the most interesting job you’ve had? 

Corby> My first job ever was working as a bike mechanic. They got sick of fixing my bike when I was in middle school, so they taught me how to do it myself and then paid me to fix other people's bikes. 

Q> What was your dream job when you were younger? 

Corby> Movie director 

Q> What TV show are you currently binging? 

Corby> “Endeavour,” or really any other British Murder Mystery Show. 

Q> What is your secret superpower? 

Corby> Delegating 

Q> Bucket list item? 

Corby> Jumping out of a plane 

Q> If you could meet someone famous, who would it be? Or have you already met someone famous? 

Corby> I would definitely like to meet Sylvester Stallone. I met Ditka once. It was pathetic. I held open the door for him, and when he thanked me, I could only muster up (in a very pitiful voice), "Sure thing, Coach." 

Q> What is your theme song? 

Corby> “Legend of Zelda” theme song 

Q> One thing that makes you happy? 

Corby> Family. My wife and daughter, specifically.