Nick Clifford
Q What do you do?
“I work hand in hand with creative teams to refine concepts, build budgets, manage timelines, and oversee all aspects of production, post-production, and creative delivery. ”
From in-house teams to creative agencies and production companies, I support teams on projects at any stage of the production process, but I work best when I’m brought on at the beginning and can see it through to end.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Adaptation, flexibility & a keen eye for refinement.
A creative career rarely takes a path you’d expect— after getting my bachelor’s in finance at Brown, I was determined to utilize my skill set in a creative field, rather than settling into a traditional role. One of my first jobs was as executive assistant to the President of Lionsgate Films. I saw the process of launching groundbreaking campaigns for Oscar-nominated films such as Precious and The Cove firsthand. I then went on to act in some of TV's biggest hits for Netflix, HBO, and Showtime.
On the other side of the camera, I wrote & produced award-winning short films that have screened at the world's most prestigious festivals. My love for storytelling has brought me to production, where I can tap into all of my creative and educational backgrounds to spearhead commercial and advertising campaigns for values-driven brands.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I prioritize respect and communication above all else. I hold myself to the highest standard when it comes to being a team player. Ask anyone who’s worked with me, and they’ll tell you we somehow managed to have fun even when we’re on a tight timeline with complex creative and limited resources.
Q What are you working on right now?
My focus is on video and print campaigns for brands and agencies, but when the right project comes along, I like to shift gears and develop narrative films and documentaries.
Q What’s your style?
I'm deeply passionate about the power of storytelling. I believe a well-crafted story, told in the right way, can have lasting change, whether it's for a client, a cause, or a conversation. I love to work on genre-pushing projects that blend creative vision with a powerful message. One project that stands out for me is the docu-series Rebuilding I produced for the non-profit No Kid Hungry. In the series, we followed everyday heroes keeping vulnerable kids fed during the pandemic. Our cinematic approach elevated the underlying message and evoked the hope and heartache these communities were experiencing. The project helped raise over $100 million in funding and was short-listed for the Campaign’s Brand Film Award. It represents the ideal intersection for me of medium and message.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Crafting stories from the ground up. Being there at the beginning of an idea and bringing all my experience to bear on making it shine is the best part of my job. People often bring me on to execute fully-developed concepts, but I thrive when I can be a part of the process from the start.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I see opportunity everywhere and the only frustration comes from not getting to work more with the talented people I’ve built relationships with for years. There’s a wealth of creativity out there, and I want to bring projects to life that let the people around me shine.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I play so many roles on the projects I produce, I’m always looking for help. If you can build out creative decks, coordinate production logistics, or assist on set, you’d be a tremendous asset to me.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Trust your gut. It won’t let you down.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I’m always looking to learn more about the trends in our media landscape. With content production exploding and new platforms emerging every day, I’d love to talk to an expert about where they see us in the next ten years and how the work we do is going to transform for tomorrow.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I work on all kinds of content production. If it’s a visual idea that needs to be realized, I’m well equipped to make it happen. I can help you refine the idea, understand the costs, build a timeline, and execute the concept. If you’re a brand, agency or production company looking for someone to seamlessly integrate with your team, you’ve come to the right place.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Communication is paramount. The projects I work on tend to move quickly and have many stakeholders, so clarity is key. Teamwork and an open, supportive environment are also ideal. I gravitate towards clients that want a true collaborator.
Q: What is your rate?
I can work on contract, weekly, or daily rates, based on the scope and scale of your project. For longer projects, we can discuss a contract fee and I can tailor my rates to best fit your resources.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email is always best. The more details you can share on the project, the better (budget, scope, schedule, deliverables, media plan, etc.) but don’t worry if you’re still in the early days. The sooner we’re in touch, the more I can help.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I’ve gotten to work with so many talented individuals, but there are folks I come back to again and again.
Travis LaBella is an incredible Director of Photography who moves seamlessly between high-gloss commercial content and gritty indie films. We’ve worked on both sides together and I couldn’t recommend him more.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Look at everything like it’s the first time.
This member profile was originally published in July 2022.