VANESSA BIRZE
Toronto,ON
Summary
Resourceful, creatively driven Executive Producer with extensive broadcast commercial experience and a range of digital/non-traditional content production knowledge. A diplomatic, solutions orientated collaborator and motivated team leader with the confidence and experience to also work autonomously. Calm and confident throughout fast-paced and high-pressure environments or circumstances. Solid and effective communication skills from working with various creative teams, production partners, client services, and a diverse body of brands. Always keen to lead or adapt to new challenges. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Perceptive producer with the experience and success to work within a range of budgets.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Integrated Producer
Citizen Relations
01.2024 - Current
Clients: Turbo Tax / Molson Coors / Kidde / Old Spice / Egale
• Recruited as the first full-time producer to establish, build and lead a production department
• Developed and delivered training to educate the agency on production process, demonstrating strong leadership to address the experience gap
• Collaborated with the ELT to create strategic initiates and long-term goals, generating internal revenue through the production department
Executive Producer
Ogilvy Canada
07.2021 - 07.2023
Clients: TD Bank / Unilever (Dove & DM+C) / Kimberly-Clark / Mondelez / York University
• Manages all aspects of pre-production, production and post-production from creative brief to final campaign / asset delivery for broadcast, print and digital/non-traditional
• Proven history of managing multiple projects simultaneously, while adhering to aggressive deadlines
• Prepares, presents and actualizes budgets while adhering to client parameters & creative integrity
• Extensive experience with complex productions; travel (local & offshore), stunts, night shoots, animals and minors
• Experience with legal, contracts, risk and compliance issues for various Brands
• Passionate & supportive mentor; aid with growth and coaching to junior / intermediate producers, creative & client service teams
• Thorough understanding of various unions (ACTRA/UDA/CFM/SAG) regulations and legal guidelines as related to production / talent
• Leads and implements new agency structures and processes for increased efficiencies
• Extensive experience in hiring, training and evaluation of peers
• Provides production support and knowledge to other internal departments
• Maintains up to date knowledge of industry trends and technology
Senior Producer / General Motors Lead
McCann Canada
07.2019 - 07.2021
Clients: GM / Chevrolet, Petro-Canada, Nestlé (Boost), Lysol, NYX Cosmetics, Western Canada Lottery Corp, Wendy's, Mastercard, Nespresso.
Integrated Producer / Broadcast Manager
Grey Canada
07.2016 - 06.2019
Clients: Herradura Global, Gillette Canada, Toronto Zoo, Volvo Canada, WSIB, The Salvation Army, Audible, Canadian Cancer Society, PepsiCo (Miss Vickie's).
Senior Broadcast Producer
Rethink Toronto
10.2014 - 06.2016
Clients: Coors Light, Rickard's, Uber, Sport Chek, Scotts Canada, Shomi & Starlight Children's Foundation Canada
Senior Broadcast Producer
Y&R Canada
10.2013 - 10.2014
Clients: Ford Canada – Brand & Retail Divisions.
Broadcast Producer / Head of Broadcast
Innocean Worldwide
04.2012 - 04.2013
Clients: KIA Canada Inc. – Brand & Retail Divisions
Broadcast Producer
TBWA\Toronto
04.2004 - 03.2012
Clients: Nissan Canada - Brand & Retail Divisions, Petro-Canada & Gatorade, Uncle Ben's
Education
Broadcast Commercial Production Course -
ICA
2004
Communication Arts - Creative Advertising -
Seneca @ York
Skills
- 20 years production experience; specializing in broadcast production
- Constructive, compassionate and reliable team mentor/coach
- Exemplary reputation with local / international production partners
- Exceptional communication, presentation & negotiation skills
- Extensive client / brand portfolio experience
- Broad range of budget experience; 5K to 5M
- Committed to creative excellence with solutions oriented approach
- Foster and preserve team trust & communication
Timeline
Vice President, Integrated Producer
Citizen Relations
01.2024 - Current
Executive Producer
Ogilvy Canada
07.2021 - 07.2023
Senior Producer / General Motors Lead
McCann Canada
07.2019 - 07.2021
Integrated Producer / Broadcast Manager
Grey Canada
07.2016 - 06.2019
Senior Broadcast Producer
Rethink Toronto
10.2014 - 06.2016
Senior Broadcast Producer
Y&R Canada
10.2013 - 10.2014
Broadcast Producer / Head of Broadcast
Innocean Worldwide
04.2012 - 04.2013
Broadcast Producer
TBWA\Toronto
04.2004 - 03.2012
Broadcast Commercial Production Course -
ICA
Communication Arts - Creative Advertising -
Seneca @ York