Documentary Filmmaker Rory Kennedy Is Making Ads Now

Storytelling in a new creative medium

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

Specs

New gig: Commercial director, Nonfiction Unlimited

Continuing Gig: Documentary filmmaker

Age: 45

Why the interest in commercial production?

I’ve been doing documentaries for about 25 years and want to continue to do that, but I love the idea of working in a different medium. Advertising pushes the envelope creatively and there is some really great work being done right now, so I’m excited to jump into it.

Photo: Karl J Kaul/Wonderful Machine;

Hair and Makeup: Carissa Ferreri/Tracy Mattingly

 

What is some of the advertising that has inspired you?

A couple of things that immediately come to mind are the Pantene commercial, “Labels Against Women,” and “Best Job” for P&G, which was part of the London 2012 Olympics “Proud Sponsor of Moms” campaign.

Do you see advertising as a way to address social stereotypes through more broadly distributed image-making?

Those two commercials relate to women and pretty efficiently reframe the...

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in