hello
I’m a general managing-producer type. Hopefully I’m known for making high-end, effective work and helping to build business. I work at (Eastern)Block, a Sydney outpost to the brand design and creative company established on the west coast 23 years ago, Block. Beyond this, my production company Drover was established to help with storytelling for good across podcasting and filmmaking.
A BIT of background:
I have worked with brands, not-for-profits, creative agencies and production companies for 20 years. I’ve produced experiential projects including a pop up museum for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Darling Harbour and built GAYTMs for ANZ’s sponsorship of the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras amogst other things. I also co-founded the creative studio, Bear Meets Eagle On Fire. During my time there we created work for partners including Optus, Amazon, IAG, Betfair, Wisr, Hawkes Brewing and The Man Cave - delivering integrated campaigns across film, digital, print, ooh, radio, design and product creation.
Prior to Bear, I spent nine years as a partner at production company Revolver/Will O’Rourke as head of projects, executive producer and partner, focused on design, experiential, film, and technology projects. The roster featured creative partners including The Glue Society and other multidisciplinary directors, artists, architects, creative coders and technologists. The start of my career was spent at Host Sydney in project management, connecting the various departments and partners, creating multifaceted campaigns, and experiencing growth from 25 to over 100 staff.
WITH PARTNERS I HAVE made work and collaborated with brands including:
FIFA, Optus, Amazon, Google, Airbnb, Uber, Vice, Volkswagen, GAP, Facebook, Samsung, McDonald's, Comcast Xfinity, Capital One, Nissan, Betfair, Wisr, IKEA, Mars, Ford, Stella Artois, Nokia, Tiger Beer, Telstra, Transport Accident Commission, NAB, ANZ, Seek, NRMA Insurance, MLC, SKYTV, Schweppes, Cochlear, David Jones, TK Maxx, Hawkes Brewing Co, City of Sydney, Art Gallery of NSW, Sundance Film Festival, Farmer’s Footprint + more.
creativity + RECOGNITION
I have judged at advertising shows including at the Cannes Lions in 2018 where I was a member of the awarding jury in the inaugural Brand Experience & Activation category. I was acknowledged in the 40 Under 40 for AdNews Australia at age 28.
If things like industry awards are of interest, Revolver/Will O’Rourke was 2nd in the production company Palme d'Or at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2018, and won international production company of the year at New York Festivals 2015. During my time running the experiential arm, Will O'Rourke, it was recognised at the Cannes Lions for 39 lions including a PR grand prix (NAB break up 2011), an outdoor grand prix (ANZ gaytms 2014), and a creative effectiveness lion (NRMA car creation 2013).
The best work brings creativity and effectiveness together to build brand, earn media, and ultimately boost impact. That's the work I strive to make. Contact me at josh@droverproductions.com