ExperienceS
Freelancer - Video, Research, & Content
May 2015 - Present
I work with both start-ups and established companies to help clarify their online video strategy and create engaging content that’s targeted to the right audience.
“I have worked with Gavin Shelton on two music videos. He has the combination of a great eye, and a meticulous approach to cinematography that yields beautiful, quality footage. Gavin was able to bring more to the table than anticipated with his ability to be creative on the fly, and both projects turned out better than I could have imagined. Gavin is an imaginative, dependable Director, and I highly recommend his work.”
-Mark Bryan, Hootie and the Blowfish
“Gavin Shelton recently produced six videos that Bishop England High School used for its Virtual Open House. In working with him on the project, I found Gavin to be highly professional, creative, and very in tune to detail. We have had extremely positive feedback on the quality and content of the videos and feel that he captured the essences of Bishop England High School”
-Kit Brownell, Director of Admissions at Bishop England High School
Hed Hi Media- Director, Cinematographer, Editor
August 2016 - Current
Shot and edited video content for the web. Ranging from documentary style films to short social media videos, we worked across technology, hospitality, and marketing industries.
“Gavin is absolutely great to collaborate with. He's patient and communicative, and tries to make sure that all collaborations result in the most successful product possible. Gavin and I were able to work successfully on video edits even while we were on opposite coasts, collaborating via Zoom and going through everything from story to editing details and finesse with ease. He's a very open collaborative partner and extremely easy to get along with, which are absolutely essential for any long term, successful creative endeavor!”
-Suhas Sreedhar, Director of Content Strategy at Coupa Software
“Gavin was my go-to at a busy event where we were recording 16 different partner and customer testimonials in one day - on a busy expo floor. As you can imagine, the schedule became “fluid” as some groups were ready at the appointed time, some were rescheduled, and some were added to our already full day. Gavin easily rolled with the changes as the schedule changed, kept things on track, and ran with it. Even more, this man can get a rock to tell a great story! He coaxed the most nervous, inexperienced, and unsure speakers through the process, and made them feel comfortable, and got an excellent “performance” from each. I highly recommend him!”
-Erin Wright, Sr. Director of Channel Marketing at Coupa Software
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia - Web Analyst
April 2014 - May 2015
Worked to support the Audience Development team at MSLO providing real time analytic data on site content. In addition I also assisted qualitative research projects that offered supporting insights to our analytics initiatives.
"All tight-knit teams go through internal renaissances, and ours over the past fifteen months has been focused on analytics. During this period, the analytics that allow us to understand the usage of our digital products, as well as the segmentation of associated users, has matured dramatically. Gavin joined our team in the midst of this renaissance, taking tactical ownership over the dashboards through which leadership experienced those analytics. Hitting the ground at a flat sprint, Gavin grabbed control of this vital function without missing a beat. More importantly, Gavin considered it his mission to truly *internalize* those metrics, such that he was in a position to speak extemporaneously about why the numbers were what they were – and what the hell we might be able to do to bend them in one direction or another. He also attained a level of sensitivity wherein he was often the first among us to recognize contradictions in the data suggesting inaccuracy, which he rooted-out with zeal.
We in Digital are lucky enough to work in the most analytically robust industry in human history. I can’t imagine running my business anymore without near-realtime visibility of these indicators. But if you are going to embrace that operational strategy, you better make damn sure you have a strong, competent, curious resource managing the collection, dissemination, and analysis of your data. For a need like that, you’d be lucky score Gavin Shelton as your resource."
Huge Inc. - Associate Planner
May 2013 - December 2013
Worked across the planning and research departments to support teams with research for our strategic initiatives.
"Gavin is an exceptionally bright thinker and energetic team member. He always goes the extra mile to think through his assignments and projects. He brings a level of curiosity and creativity to both research and planning, that is wonderful to experience. He's a great asset to any team. He has a tremendous appetite to learn and try new things--is open to feedback and quickly adjusts and moves forward with his thinking. I've had the great luck of having Gavin as both my former student at the Academy of Art, as well as a Jr. Planner and Researcher at Huge. He's a great asset, don't think twice about including him on your team."
-Virginia Alber-Glanstaetten, Vice President of Planning at Huge
"Gavin is always willing to jump in and help git 'er done! I met him in the middle of a pitch when we were trying to get research fielded and analyzed on an impossible timeline. Gavin is the guy you want on your team when you need speed, while still maintaining the quality and impact of the project. He has a solid understanding of basic research principles, is thirsty to learn more, and is able to suggest creative solutions to address unique situations. Gavin is also willing to put his head down and do the hard work when that is what's required. And his ability to assess and shape raw research video into a cohesive story, is particularly impressive. On top of all of that, Gavin is just a great guy and always a pleasure to work with"
Slant Media - Research, Content Creation, Strategy
October 2012 – May 2013
Worked in a small agency environment to fill multiple roles; assisting with brand discovery sessions for clients, designing and leading research initiatives, and creating promotional video and social media content for the agency.
AKQA - Video Strategy Intern
August 2011 - November 2011
Embedded in different strategy teams to provide video assets for strategic initiatives. Shooting interviews both in-home and in research facilities I was responsible for the entire productions from start to finish. Additionally, I worked on user persona research videos using found footage to bring life to large quantitative usability studies.
Goodby Silverstein & Partners - Cultural Strategy Intern
May 2011 - August 2011
Worked under Nam Nguyen in Goodby's cultural strategy department, learning about strategic video by logging and editing hours of primary research footage. Additionally, I shot and edited man-on-the-street footage of A/B creative testing.
"Gavin has energy and heart and once we were able to refine what he was doing at GSP and work toward his strengths... he thrived. He's got strong opinions and ideas that are exciting and ambitious. As an intern he was always willing to step up and explore the mundane and fearless of the more challenging tasks that were presented to him. He shined as an intern and am excited by his potential."
-Nam Nguyen, Vice President of Strategy + Creative Development at Narrative_
Technical Skills
Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
Documentary Video Production
Adobe Analytics
GfK MRI Volumetric CrossTabs