Nelson takes reins at Draftfcb NYC

Top  Integrated Producer, Anthony Nelson,  Takes Reins of Revamped  Draftfcb New York Integrated Production Department

 

In an effort to foster more collaboration in the pursuit of great creative ideas, Draftfcb New York today is reorganizing its integrated production disciplines. The new Integrated Production department will serve one simple, critical purpose: to bring ideas to life in the most creative, efficient and spectacular way, regardless of channel or discipline.

 

Leading the new Integrated Production department is Anthony Nelson, most recently of Crispin, Porter + Bogusky fame. Nelson, 38, was executive integrated producer at CP+B Boulder, working on high-profile campaigns including Burger King’s “Whopper Virgins,” the Volkswagen “Gypsy Cab Project” and this year’s Super Bowl hit for Best Buy, “Ozzy vs. Bieber.” He starts at Draftfcb New York today as EVP, Director of Integrated Production.

 

“When I set out on the search for the right person to head up such an important department, I asked dozens of people in the industry – from creative directors and heads of production to digital producers and production companies – ‘Who's the best integrated producer in the business today?’ And just as crucial, ‘Who never shirks from a creative challenge, regardless of how impossible the odds appear to be?’” said Draftfcb New York Chief Creative Officer Darren Moran. “One name topped more lists than anyone else’s: Anthony Nelson.” 

 

Prior to CP+B, Nelson had a long and varied career, producing entertaining and engaging content in nearly every form. He was executive director at Superfad, producing Web projects and directing TV spots. He ran film development and acquisitions at Corbis, streamlining its entire operation while also producing film shoots. Prior to that, in one of the biggest turning points in his career (and in our industry), Nelson produced Wieden + Kennedy’s Beta-7 transmedia campaign for ESPN/Sega. This project was a seminal moment in the history of bringing the digital world and brands together via entertainment, and it racked up many "firsts" as well as awards and media attention. 

 

Nelson has also found the time to produce concerts, an indie film, and off-Broadway theater (in which he also performed and directed). 

 

Moran and the entire Draftfcb New York team are thrilled by the possibilities Nelson brings. “Nelson is smart, passionate, relentless and just plain fun to be around,” said Moran, who continues to fortify the office’s creative offering. “We continue to knock down walls so we can be more nimble, and more accountable. We continue to foster more collaboration in the pursuit of great creative ideas that move our clients' businesses,” said Moran. “And, we continue to hire more of the kinds of talent that knows how to create business-building, award-winning brand experiences that will engage people living in today's digital world.”

 

Nelson, who most recently gained industry kudos for his work on CP+B’s new Bing spots, says he’s excited by the dogged devotion of Draftfcb leaders to make great work. “As advertising continues to change, the way we do our work must continue to evolve,” said Nelson. “Draftfcb has the resources, but they seemed relatively untapped. With its legacy broadcast and print production departments and its growing digital capabilities, the ability to easily adapt to push work farther and better is waiting to be harnessed.”

 

He added he was inspired by the “creative vigor” possessed by Moran and North American Chief Creative Officer Tom O’Keefe. “I felt like this was a challenge that would be tough to pass up,” said Nelson. “That challenge is to make great work we are proud of for ourselves and our clients.”

 

Perception is a funny thing in any business, added Nelson, reflecting on his shift. “Perception that good ideas only come from certain places. Perceptions that clients aren’t willing to take a risk to explore the kind of work that should represent their brand. Perceptions that certain shops can’t or don’t make great work. It’s all perception really,” said Nelson. “I think if you’re smart, armed with a great idea, and passionate about making it fantastic, you’ll find a way. So, perception isn’t as they say, everything.”

 

“I have always been about working to make the work better and I’ve had some amazing opportunities with amazing people on amazing projects,” Nelson said. “I felt this would be no different.”