Johannes FARENHOLTZ
In my many years as a producer for TV commercials - both for production companies & advertising agencies in Germany and the US - i produced TVCs & moving content for clients like Beiersdorf, Coty, Kao, Karstadt, Merck, Procter & Gamble, Audi, Burger King, Puma, Replay, Thomas Cook, Volkswagen, Wella, Bosch, Danone, Eurocard, Ferrero, Henkel, Kawasaki, Lego, Nissan, Pelikan, Phillip Morris, Novartis, Sarah Lee, Sony PS, Wrangler, BMW, Deutsche Bank, Effem, Reemtsma, Schwarzkopf, Novartis, Tchibo, Effem, Jacobs Suchard, Lego, Nescafe, Phillips, Quelle, Renault, Unilever and others
In addition i did non-commercial production work for Burda TV, Kings Road Pictures, NDR, SAT 1, WDR, ZDF etc.
Since 2014: Head of TV for Select World Advertising Agency, Hamburg
2002 - 14: Freelance TV Producer for Select, .start advertising agency, TBWA and others
1994 - 02: Head of TV for TBWA Germany for the 5 german TBWA offices in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich.
1990 - 93: TV Producer for Scholz & Friends advertising agency, Hamburg
1986 - 90: Production Manager NNE Filmproductions, Los Angeles
1986: Bachelor of Fine Arts "Film & Television“. COLUMBIA Filmschool, Los Angeles
questionnaire
What was your very first job? What does it feel like to look back at it now?
My first job ever was in construction. My first job in the „industry“ was production assistant for a commercial film production company in L.A. Construction taught me how to drink. Production taught me how to make things possible within adverse circumstances.
Please describe, in your own words, what your current job is and what work it entails.
I am "Head of TV" for the international advertising agency Select World (focus on beauty, fashion, luxury & premium products). In that position I produce moving content and TVCs.
How did you discover that the creative world is right for you?
I am still not 100% sure it is. I enjoy very much the craftmanship of film-making - not so much lengthy discussion about creative decisions. I truly believe that a singular creative vision is best realized without much interference, which is hardly ever the case in advertising.
Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery?
Pretty much when starting in advertising.
Which train of events did bring you to where you are today?
Coincidence, meeting people, living where I was living, idleness & convenience, the need to make money, rather little ambition - but a lot of sense of duty.
In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how and where do you usually find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?
Constant competition & fast technological developments keeps one on ones toes. Modern art is the inspiration, advertising is the generalization.
If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, especially for the creative work and innovation it required rather than its recognition or industry success, what would it be?
Digital content production changed production processes completely over the last 10 years - not always for the better. I am proud that my colleagues and myself were able to maintain certain creative and professional standards within this development.