Mike CHURCHILL

What was your very first job? 

First industry related job… I was an intern for a major market morning radio show. One morning, I was sent out for an on-air stunt which ended up getting me arrested. When I tried to explain to the police what was going on, I had the police call into the show on the private line. The morning show recorded the call and denied knowing me claiming that I was just a crazy fan. The morning show and listening had a great laugh at my expense when they played the call back that morning on-air. I was lucky enough to build a relationship with my mentor who still to this day provides insightful feedback. I look back now, laugh and think that this was a good lesson about our industry. I have a list of great adventures, stories and learnings from this and other experiences.

Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails.

I am the liaison for creative and production between the agency, marketing, PR, production partners and our marketing groups for a division of the General Mills brands.

How did you discover that the creative world was right for you? Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery? Was there a train of events that brought you where you are today?

I found that everyone in our industry has similar insanities and thrives in organized chaos the same way as myself. I started as a child actor, got into radio and then continued on to segue into broadcast and entertainment.

In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?

I am always watching and inspired by all the creative work across all channels of our industry. I am inspired by work that is better than what I’ve been creating. This motivates me to create work that will motivate others in the same way.

If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, more for the creative work and innovation rather than its recognition or industry "success," what would it be?

We did a project for a brand about a volunteer basketball team for high-risk students at an alternative high school. The project inspired and motivate the students to raise their grades so they could play on the team. This ripple effect was seen when the average GPAs and the graduation rates greatly increased of the students. 

Which creative disciplines do you commission most, and are most interested in seeing more of and why? Which of these disciplines are you most interested in seeing at CONNECTIONS? (ie photo, film, production, social, experiential, vr, cgi, animation etc)

My production roots and integrated producer background makes me curious about all of it. I want to learn more about each and how to cross-platforms integrate for the future direction of our industry. The goal is to create innovative work that others will use to pitch their creative to their clients.