Dear Art Producer- Emily Cunningham
Keeping Human Storytelling at the Center with Emily Cunningham of Joan Creative
In the newest episode of Dear Art Producer available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music, Heather sits down with Emily Cunningham, Creative Producer at Joan Creative, for a conversation about agency production, collaboration, AI, and why human storytelling still matters as the industry continues to evolve through new technology.
Known for its sharp creative voice and highly collaborative approach, Joan Creative becomes a natural backdrop for a conversation centered around evolving production and modern creative partnerships.
The conversation explores what production looks like inside agencies today, balancing creative ideas with the realities of timing and production while helping teams stay connected to the original vision behind the work.
The Evolving Role of Production
Emily shares how production has become far more collaborative, with artists, directors, photographers, editors, and production partners often being brought into projects much earlier in the process. What once felt more segmented now feels far more fluid, creating stronger creative conversations from the beginning.
What Happens Behind Triple Bids
Heather and Emily also talk honestly about the bidding process, how talent is discovered, what creative teams are actually looking for, and why making it into the final rounds already says a lot about how strongly the work is connecting internally.
Producing Through Constant Change
The episode dives into the realities of modern agency production and the challenge of keeping projects creatively aligned while navigating changing timelines and shifting expectations.
AI Is Here. Now What?
Heather and Emily spend time discussing AI and the rapidly changing creative landscape, from AI generated rip films and previs tools to larger conversations around likeness rights and protecting artists as new technologies continue developing.
Keeping Human Storytelling at the Center
One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is the importance of protecting the human side of creativity. Even as workflows and tools continue changing, the projects that resonate most still come from real collaboration and emotional connection.
It’s an honest conversation about adapting, staying curious, and continuing to make meaningful work in an industry that never stops evolving.
Link Here for Episode 124 – Emily Cunningham on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
This weekly series shares conversations with Art Producers in advertising, where together we can think about where the industry is going and how to move it forward as a community. If you are interested in being on the podcast, please email me at Heather@Heatherelder.com. We are still recording episodes. And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider sharing it on social media and leaving a review. We would love help spreading the word.
