Harvey AUSTIN

1. What was your very first job? 

My first job in the industry was in news production for an NBC affiliate as a Production Intern and Promotions Producer.

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

Currently I serve as the Vice President, Managing Director, for Syneos Health Communication’s Video & Creative Production Advertising Studio. I manage a creative team across 5 regions; including editors, producers, directors, photographers, animators & cinematographers. My role is to ensure that the video and creative production process runs seamlessly for Commercial Advertising agencies – from concept to completion, within the Syneos Health conglomerate.

3. 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?

As a young child I always saw the combination of art, structure and media as a sense of mental clarity for me. It helped me to rise from the fear of taking risks beyond my control. Influenced by a free-spirited mother, who used her creativity to teach and grow children with special needs, showed me that your God given gifts don't belong to you. They are for the magnification and illumination of others.

4. Was there a train of events that brought you where you are today?

I actually began my college education with the goal of becoming an architect. As a part of our curriculum we were encouraged to take classes and explore other aspects of design and art. My 2nd term sophomore year, I signed up for an intro to graphic design class. This changed my desire to become an architect.

The Summer after my sophomore year, I was granted an NBC news internship where I was introduced to video and Broadcast TV...and the rest is history.

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

With the abundance of digital content and media that is readily available for us to engage in by the minute – my greatest inspiration and clARiTy comes from visiting and spending hours in fine art museums and viewing large mural street art. There is so much to be gained from the beauty and history of traditional arts. I draw a wealth of inspiration from paintings and vintage editorial & architectural photography.

 6. Which creative disciplines do you commission most, and are most interested in seeing more of and why?

My primary creative disciplines are video production, motion design / animation and photography. I work within Healthcare and Pharmaceutical advertising, so developing and producing creative messaging that is innovative, but also safe and patient focused requires alternate avenues of distribution. I am always interested in seeing more multidisciplinary executions that combine content and customer interactivity.

 7. Which of these disciplines are you most interested in seeing at CONNECTIONS? (ie photo, film, production, social, experiential, vr, cgi, animation etc)

Film Production, Experiential / VR, Animation – 2D motion and 3D