APA Scope | Building Safe and Collaborative Spaces, Episode 2

APA Scope, March 11, 2024

Creative Director/Producer Viewpoint: Creating Change: Building Safe and Collaborative Spaces from Start to Finish, Episode 2

Agent, Casting Director Viewpoint

Guests: Qadree Holmes, Dani Jackson | Moderators: Ahmad Barber, Jill Broussard, Martine Séverin

Description of the Series: Nurturing a culture of safety and inclusivity on the set is not only essential for the success of a photo project but also for the well-being and creativity of all involved, including your crew, creatives, talent, producers, and other stakeholders. As a photographer, you play a pivotal role in making this happen.Our workshop series is designed to facilitate meaningful discussions among talent, talent agents, producers, and artist representatives. It offers a platform for the exchange of best practices, enabling us to address concerns and establish secure, collaborative spaces on set. By the end of this series, our aim is for you to gain new insights and practical strategies to create a warm and productive environment where everyone, regardless of their role, feels valued and can contribute their unique perspectives to the photo project.

Bios:

Qadree Holmes, better known as “Q” in the business, is a prolific producer who owns and operates his own production company, Quriosity Productions, out of Chicago, Illinois. 

Q worked tirelessly moving his way up the ranks, always with his sights set on the top, making sure he took advantage of each opportunity that came his way. Q has always been a go-getter and has the unique ability of being able to balance the creative with the business making sure to give the client exactly what they need but also in a fiscal and efficient manner. Before starting his own company, he served as the Head of Sales/Producer of Jeff Marpe Line 9 Films from 2004 to 2007. Afterward he continued to work in a multitude of different roles at other major companies such as Universal Pictures. Q specializes in film and commercial budgeting, planning and production services, is a member of AICP and as such is proficient in Showbiz, HotBudget and Point Zero Budget Programs.

Dani Jackson-Smith is a creative powerhouse who champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry and beyond. As the founder of the creative management firm, The Cre8tors and in her most recent role as Vice President of Influence at Edelman, Dani taps into the cultural connection and core values that brands share with their audiences to drive social impact.

Including nearly a decade in production, Dani has worked with an array of brands including Starbucks, Kellogg’s, Foot Locker, Nintendo, Samsung, Allstate, KMart, Barilla, Del Monte and Pivotal Ventures over the course of her career.

Ahmad Barber is a creative director & photographer born in Detroit, Mi. Migrating to Atlanta, GA, where he currently resides, Ahmad graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Morehouse College. Diverging from the sciences, Ahmad has since developed a masterful eye for color and movement through various creative mediums. 

Most infamously known as AB, he is one half of the fashion photography duo, AB+DM studio. In partnership with long-time friend, Donté Maurice, the award-winning duo has been published in magazines such as Vogue, Instyle, Elle, Marie Claire, Interview, CR Fashion Book, i-D, Essence, and American and British editions of GQ. The duo has worked on major campaigns for Lancome, L'Oreal, Reebok, New Balance, Bevel, Pureology, Fubu, and Warby Parker. The two serve proudly as board members for the Atlanta chapter of Atlanta Photographic Artists and Directors of Art & Photography for Black Fashion Fair.

Jill Broussard loves a good story. In fact, she can find the humanity in just about any narrative, create still and moving images to represent it, share and amplify that humanity. With nearly two decades of experience in the commercial world, Jill seeks to create strong partnerships, create beautiful stories, and use her platform to create channels of respect and dignity in all aspects of the commercial industry. Currently she is working on joint stills and motion projects that use documentary narratives to drive stories.

Martine Séverin is a Chicago + LA based lifestyle, advertising and editorial photographer whose vibrant work aims to push boundaries and celebrate inclusivity. She’s worked with clients around the world, including France, Belgium, England and Boston. Martine credits her love of color and diversity to her home country of Haiti. Interested in creating narratives that reference non-western norms, she strives to collaborate with brands who speak to a diverse audience.

Martine is also the host of the podcast, This is How We Create a show that digs deeper into the creative life of contemporary artists of color.