Madison WHARTON MARKS

What was your very first job? 

Scoping ice cream at Haagen Dazs.  Just like Henry Rollins. I also sold circus tickets and holograms.

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

I oversee production and operations of DDB New York. I’m charged with developing new ways to produce work in a constantly evolving industry.

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? What was there train of events that brought you to where you are today?

I landed on a few commercial sets when I was about 10 years old and probably made up my mind then, but I didn’t know it. Later I ended up as a tour manager, which segued perfectly into advertising production. I fell in love with interactive work in the early 2000’s and then dove deep into live interactive video.  Eventually, the agency in its entirety became my production. I love building teams, developing new talent and partnering with artists in every medium.

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

Tales of near impossible production hurdles inspires me every day. I’m inspired by productions that lead to inventions and by purists that strictly adhere to the guiding principles of the creative concept.

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

Working with David Lynch on a live-streamed Duran Duran concert was my favorite to date. He (David) does not comprehend the word “compromise” so he pushed the production team and the technology to its absolute limit. He’s relentless.