Creative Advertising

How a Local DoorDash Campaign Led a Former College Athlete to His Directorial Debut

For The Martin Agency's senior art director Derek Smith, the journey to the director's chair was untraditional but effective

A collage including Derek Smith and shots from local DoorDash campaigns — Derek Smith served as art director for two of DoorDash's short films. Now, he's in the director's chair.The Martin Agency, DoorDash

By Shannon Miller

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DoorDash has firmly positioned itself as a brand with solid roots in local communities thanks to resonant, emotional short films like “Southside Magnolia” and last year’s “Soul of the City.” The Martin Agency‘s senior art director Derek Smith was an integral part of the production teams for both projects, meticulously setting up shots that showed these restaurateurs as hometown heroes.

So, when the delivery brand needed that warmth and familiarity for its next local campaign, it turned to Smith for more of his creative eye and intimate sensibilities.

Shannon Miller

Shannon Miller is Adweek's managing editor of creativity, the creator economy and DEI.

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