In this episode of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder talks with Emily Cunningham, Creative Producer at JOAN Creative, about the unexpected path that led her into production and the fast-moving reality of agency life today. Emily shares how she went from retail visual merchandising to Miami Ad School, where a chance invitation to a production meeting completely changed her career trajectory. After shifting from art direction into production under mentor Sherry Anderson, she eventually joined JOAN. Known internally as JOAN's "queen of radio," Emily discusses producing everything from motion and audio projects to pitch rips and sizzles, while also serving as a key "historian" for client relationships and brand knowledge. She talks about the importance of bringing production partners in early as briefs evolve, how AI tools are currently being used for previs and creative exploration, and why business affairs conversations around risk matter more than ever. Connect with our guest: Emily Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyherringdine/ More about your host: Heather Elder's Bio Heather Elder's Blog Heather Elder on Instagram Heather Elder on Twitter Heather Elder on LinkedIn Heather Elder on Facebook

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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