Dennis
Gelbaum is an international award winning Creative Director, Producer,
Director,
Writer, Author and Inventor. In 2013, as the Chief Operating Officer
and Executive Creative
Director of Input Group, North America, Dennis led and
managed teams of creative,
production, business development and logistical strategists.
"From the theatrical to the
practical, a single speaker to a symphony
orchestra, hundreds of performers simultaneously
juggling power tools while
riding unicycles, suspending seventy-five feet long dragon kites
from the
ceiling of a 10 story atrium, to projecting laser/animated images onto the
sides of
buildings, I bring a little magic to each and every event I
produce."
Dennis
has worked with clients all over the world, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to conceive
and execute brand funded content and interactive branding experiences for two
to tens of thousands of participants. Dennis has directed and/or produced
hundreds of commercials, promos, trailers, music videos, live multimedia
interactive events (concerts, tours, festivals, meetings, product
introductions, in-store promotions and museum exhibits), corporate awareness
and fundraising films/videos and hours of long & short form programming and
content for theatrical release, broadcast, web and mobile. “I’ve often been
described as being an innovator, out of the box thinker, superior leader and
manager. (LOL) I am all those things as well as being fearless when it comes to
creating, presenting, selling, planning and executing. I re-imagined the box
and now there isn’t one!”
Prior to joining Input
Group North America, Dennis was the Chief Executive Officer & Managing
Director of ramp it up entertainment, a full service creative boutique and
brand experience agency and multimedia production company. He also created
Production Concierge Services – connecting corporations and agencies to the
finest pre-production, production and post-production services and resources in
the world and providing clients with access to an in-house, full service,
industry focused travel and incentive agency. (Frenchway Travel)
"My favorite projects
include co-writing/producing a visually stunning commercial for Alize Bleu,
creating/selling/producing/directing 'Get Fit With Alyson' - a web series
supporting the launch of the Nintendo Wii/Wii Fit, creating a web and mobile
based campaign for a jeans company - looking for the "best ass",
introducing a cosmetics company by creating a credit card that looked like a
mirror - looking for the "most beautiful face", inventing/introducing
"FaceLift" - a cleansing pad for men to give their face a lift after
a long day of work/travel, producing a TV spot for the introduction of Jesse
Jeans - "they fit so good they oughta be outlawed", writing,
producing and directing fundraising and awareness films for Worldfund,
writing/directing a multimedia campaign for Special Olympics to help erase the
‘R’ word, directing a multimedia campaign for Bazooka Bubble Gum, (co-directed
the music video that has more than 3.5 million views!), producing an
interactive multimedia show for BASF and being the executive producer/director
for the feature length documentary, 'Corrosion of Conformity - Live Volume -
The Movie'.
Alize
Corrosion of Conformity
Dennis Gelbaum Produces Events and Live Experiences
Beyond Reasonable Doubt - The Book
Alize
Corrosion of Conformity
Dennis Gelbaum Produces Events and Live Experiences
Beyond Reasonable Doubt - The Book
Dennis is the author of the
novel, ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’, a character driven, mystery-thriller with
more twists and turns than a double helix and 'Something About Going Home', a
book of original poetry with illustrations by Christina Qualiana and is
featured in 50 Great Writers You Should
Be Reading, by Danielle Hampson & Don McCauley. Dennis invented the
Buddy Light Illuminated Safety Leash, one of the best selling pet products ever
featured at The Sharper Image. And Dennis received the Distinguished Alumnus
Award from American University and established the NAVARAC Scholarship...an
annual contribution providing students funds, services and resources to help
them complete film/video/multi-media projects. “If you don’t pay it forward,
what’s the point?”
Dennis is also the former
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Creative Director of Tourdesign Creative
Services where he worked with the biggest touring acts, major record labels,
top radio stations and live event venues in the world. “I worked on Cher’s
Final Tour, four years in a row!”
"I believe in the
power of storytelling to motivate and inspire. From the campfire to the web,
authentic stories unite communities, build bridges and create lasting
connections. I define and refine strategies helping my clients create and
deliver engaging, motivating and inspiring content, creating pathways for
people, institutions, companies and brands to tell their story."
I have two favorite quotes:
"Those who tell
stories shape society" Plato
"When you have the
choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance!" Lee Ann Womack
See the Bazooka Music Video
at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZXRaVBf0pY
LinkedIn profile:
Event and Production clients have included:
A&E, AFL, Alize Blue, AOL, AT&T, AVON, BASF, Black and Decker,
Topps/Bazooka Bubble Gum, BRAVO, Burger King, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Chevy
Racing Team, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry (Titanic Exhibit), Clear
Channel Radio, Connective Technologies, Dodge, Detroit Metro Visitors Meeting
and Convention Bureau, Detroit Metro Zoo, DSI Toys, ESPN, FAYGO Beverages,
Firestone Tires and MasterCare Car Service, Fiesta Mexicana, Ford, FOX Sports,
Foxwoods Resort and Casino, Gallery Furniture, Gallery Furniture Bowl, Gallery
Furniture Stakes at Turfway Park, GM, The Houston Rockets, Houston Livestock
and Rodeo/Black Heritage Day, Houston Automobile Dealers Association, Houston
Power and Light, Jeep, Jesse Jeans, Korbel, Ken-L Ration Dog Food, KPMG, Lever,
Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in
Harrogate, TN, Lions Club International, Mattel, MGM Casino, Miller Beer,
Montclair Water, MTV, Music Choice, NBA, Nickelodeon, Nintendo, P&G, PACE
Motorsports, Paris Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Pepsi, Popeye's Fried Chicken,
Princeton, Professional and College Sports/Teams, Quicken Loans, Saban
Entertainment, SAP, Schering-Plough, SFX Sports, ‘The Reel Guys' on ESPN2, The
Westside Tennis Club, The Wahconah Group, Toy Biz, VH1, Whirlwind Industries,
Worldfund, Wrigley’s, WWE, UCONN, UPN, US Marines, US Olympic Teams, US Open,
Vicarious Visions, Verizon.
ramp it up
entertainment | 3/2007 – Present
Executive Creative Director | Director of Creative and Business Strategy
Executive Creative Director | Director of Creative and Business Strategy
I am an exceptional and experienced Creative
Director | Project Manager (15+ years experience) with strong organizational
and negotiation skills, able to develop and execute effective and innovative advertising,
marketing, promotional and event programs and find creative solutions to
challenges. I possess an entrepreneurial spirit with a confident, tenacious,
diplomatic, and collaborative style focused on exceeding goals and
expectations.
My combined expertise in storytelling,
strategic communications, event production and management and logistics leads
to engaging content and interactive experiences that inspire viewers and
participants to action. Nothing gets
people talking up a brand like live experiences do!
I take my award winning creative and
production skills, marry them with unique distribution strategies – including traditional
media, the internet, social media, mobile and barter distribution – helping
companies create impact. I help connect brands to consumers and consumers to
brands. Attending a branded live
experience drives 65 percent of people to recommend the brand and 59 percent to
buy it at retail afterwards.
After spending most
of 2013 as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Creative Director of Input
Group, North America, one of the largest event companies in the world, I returned
to ramp it up entertainment.
ramp it up
entertainment is a full service creative boutique and brand experience agency
and multimedia production company. In 2009, I created Production Concierge
Services – connecting clients to the finest production and post-production
services and resources in the world and through our partner, Frenchway Travel,
we provide clients with access to an in-house, full service, industry focused
travel agency.
Responsibilities
include:
·
I lead and manage teams of creative,
production, business development and logistical strategists. "From the
theatrical to the practical, a single speaker to a symphony orchestra, hundreds
of performers simultaneously juggling power tools while riding unicycles,
suspending seventy-five feet long dragon kites from the ceiling of a 10 story
atrium, to projecting laser/animated images onto the sides of buildings, I
bring a little magic to each and every event I produce.”
·
I work with clients all over the world,
collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to conceive and execute creative
strategies, brand funded content and interactive branding experiences for two
to tens of thousands of participants. I have directed and/or produced hundreds
of commercials, promos, trailers, music videos, live multimedia interactive
events (concerts, tours, festivals, meetings, product introductions, in-store
promotions and museum exhibits), corporate awareness and fundraising
films/videos and hours of long & short form programming and content for
theatrical release, broadcast, web and mobile. “I’ve often been described as
being an innovator, out of the box thinker, superior leader and manager. (LOL)
I am all those things as well as being fearless when it comes to creating,
presenting, selling, planning and executing. I re-imagined the box and now
there isn’t one”
Input Group North America | 1/2013 – 12/2013
Chief
Operating Officer | Executive Creative Director
Responsibilities
included:
·
Working
closely with clients to define and refine their business, creative and global
event strategies.
·
Providing
creative direction, leadership and production expertise on most projects.
·
Oversaw (and
managed) all aspects of event production for IGNA’s highest priority events: budgeting
(with financial responsibility), multimedia and interactive content and program
development and production, design, staging, vendor negotiations and management,
logistics, incentive and promotional programs, catering, security, transportation.
·
Identifying
and developing key marketing partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
·
Developed and executed
promotional programs/brand funded experiences as a part of the marketing
campaign as well as on-site to drive consumer engagement.
·
Worked with
senior management, creating and executing strategic plans to achieve company
objectives for future success. I was very active in raising awareness of our
brand and participating in and supporting new business team/efforts.
·
Oversaw staff
planning and work closely with HR on talent acquisition and development.
·
Managed the
process and systems that motivated and inspired the staff to produce amazing
results for our clients. Never satisfied with anything less than spectacular!
·
Built and maintained relationships - internally
and externally.
ramp it up
entertainment, New York, NY | 3/2007 - 1/2013
Managing
Director, Director of Creative and Business Strategy & Strategic
Partnerships
The best way to promote a brand, to build, strengthen and
unleash the power of a brand, is to tell a compelling story that resonates to a
clearly defined audience.
Responsibilities included:
·
Playing a
vital management leadership role - focused on developing, refining and aligning
brand strategies with our client's business goals and objectives - building client
relationships and providing innovative, multimedia creative solutions including
event development, production and marketing, social media, digital/interactive
marketing, e-commerce, website/app development, brand funded content, corporate
sponsorship opportunities and public relations for clients worldwide.
·
Hire, train
and develop talent - successfully managing a team of creative and business
strategists and project managers, getting people to work together by leading
and managing teams from culturally and professionally diverse backgrounds,
across multiple locations, including remotely and in other countries.
Highlights Included:
·
Creative Business
Consultant to Input Group – working closely with the CEO to define and refine
the strategy for growth – identifying opportunities for investments and
acquisitions to help Input Group grab a bigger share of the international (North
America, South America and Mexico) live event/entertainment landscape.
·
Executive
Director - Head of Creative and Business Strategy -
Production Concierge Services - provided project/product management,
defining/refining the UX, website development/launch, mobile content/apps,
social media initiatives, trade show participation, sponsoring live events, new
business development and identifying new revenue streams. This is where corporations,
agencies and the production industry connects with the finest pre-production,
production and post-production services and resources in the world! Services
also include commercial flight arrangements, private jets, hotels, car rentals
and auxiliary travel arrangements.
·
Executive
Director to Digicon Media - providing creative and business strategies and focused
on corporate investment opportunities, mergers and acquisitions and leading
international teams to develop traditional broadcast, web based/multimedia
content, apps and live interactive events. Digicon Media created VM2©, the
Virtual Marilyn Monroe and is pioneering the development of global branded
avatars. VM2© will mesmerize global audiences, establishing herself as an
internationally recognized, interactive "digital" personality,
contributing to and participating in the global popular culture.
·
Brand Activist
and Marketing Consultant to Sourcetone - providing business strategies, focused
on product (web, mobile) development, customer acquisition and retention and
growing large scale client relationships. I was also responsible for developing
and executing marketing plans across all ecommerce and social media
initiatives. Sourcetone's streaming music service provides personalized and
customized listening experiences to benefit moods, activities and health
conditions.
·
Consultant to
Gerson Lehrman Group, Tech, Media & Telecom Council Member. Focus -
corporate strategy, re-organization, investment opportunities, mergers and
acquisitions.
·
Consultant to
Music Xray - A&R team member - music licensing for all media.
·
Consultant to
LA Music Awards - providing creative and business strategy, production
resources and securing corporate sponsorships.
·
Consultant to
GraffitiWall - managing creative and new business strategies for this powerful
marketing tool that lets clients create a real time, multimedia and interactive
social networking website that builds brand loyalty.
- Created "Black Bag Warriors" - a documentary style 'realistic' multimedia series about a group of fourth year medical students from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, TN - as they make their rounds - house to house - in the heart of Appalachia.
- Created 'Fall In Love With America - Again!' - The project includes creating interactive websites, web/mobile based contests and promotions, building social network communities, selling sponsorships, advertising and creating affiliate programs, producing multimedia content (broadcast, web, mobile), a feature length documentary film, broadcast series, live events and an international touring exhibit.
- Created and supervised web and mobile based promotions - via engaging and targeted email blasts, voice broadcasting, text messaging, social networking, affiliate programs and fan based interactive websites - to support premium seating ticket sales strategy for 'Sgt. Pepper Live Featuring Cheap Trick' - Paris Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas (revenue up 40%+ above projections) and for a variety of live events at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in CT - including 'Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy' - (revenue up 60%+ above projections)
- Produced/Directed promos to introduce Guitar Hero 5 - for Nintendo - the #1 music video game in the world!
- Created/Produced NAAME – 'Native American Arts Music Experience' - a touring show and interactive multimedia exhibit celebrating the music, art, culture, history, food, fashion and language (s) of Native Americans.
Tribe
Pictures/ramp it up entertainment, Chatham, NJ; NY, NY | 8/2007 - 8/2009
Managing
Director, Executive Creative Director, Director of Brand Initiatives
Managed the day-to-day business, managing/mentoring sales,
account/project managers,
creative, production and post-production staff for a full service creative boutique and multimedia production resource company.
Other responsibilities included:
·
Focused on
achieving profitability and growth goals, sourcing and developing new lines of
business and strategic opportunities, maximizing revenue and minimizing costs -
increased revenue by 45%+, profitability by 40%+, client base by 25%+.
·
Worked closely
with clients to refine communication, marketing and sales strategies. Projects
include creating and producing interactive branding experiences, multimedia,
entertainment content and corporate communication tools - including fundraising
and awareness films, commercials, promos, scripted and reality based series for
broadcast documentaries, web and mobile content, producing interactive 'live
events' and creating sponsorship opportunities for clients.
Highlights included:
·
Produced/Directed
promos for ‘Mixed Messages’ and Nintendo DSi
·
Created and
produced an award winning video for KPMG - celebrating their 'Women and
Minorities in the Workplace' initiative.
·
Created, sold,
produced and directed the web based series, ‘Get Fit With Alyson’ sponsored by
Nintendo. Hosted by Alyson Stoner (Cheaper By The Dozen, Camp Rock) to help
motivate teens to exercise and make choices to live a healthier lifestyle.
Included creating an interactive website - 1.65 million kids joined our club.
·
Created, sold,
produced and directed, 'Get Wii Fit With Alyson', the number one rated series -
only available on the Nintendo Channel.
·
Produced,
co-wrote and co-directed promos to introduce 'Animal Crossing City Folk' for
Nintendo/Wii. Content was produced for Nintendo.com and the Nintendo Channel.
·
Created
broadcast/web based series and feature length documentary – ‘Girls With Wings'
– celebrating the spirit (and stories) of women who fly.
·
Created and
produced web series, ‘Meet The Birches’, starring a unique cast of ‘paper’
characters who travel the world teaching us about people, geography, history
and the environment - in a fun, entertaining and informative way.
·
Wrote and
directed multimedia campaign for Special Olympics – It Is Not O K To Use The
‘R’ Word. (TV, Radio, Outdoor, Print, Internet and Mobile)
·
Executive
Producer for the 2008/2009 Fundraising and Awareness Films for Worldfund.
Beaucoup
Chapeaux and Talent Solutions, New York, NY | 10/2004 - 3/2007
Managing
Director, Director of Creative and Business Strategy and Development
Developed and
successfully implemented strategies to generate revenue and increase
profitability - providing the vision for growth - new business development -
and introduced innovative procedures that had a dramatic, positive impact on
gross revenue/profit – profit grew by 40%+ each year - for an independent,
outsourced multimedia production department and a business affairs and talent
payment company.
Other
responsibilities included:
·
Provided
business strategy and creative direction on projects for all media - delivering
strategically designed and flawlessly executed customer marketing and consumer
promotion programs for agencies and clients direct.
·
Creatively
managed account management/business affairs, HR and Accounting staff, (30
internal and hundreds of freelance/external), created staff training, education
and development programs.
·
Created and
launched beaucoup records and beaucoup entertainment - signed a variety of
recording artists and developed and acquired projects for production and
distribution.
Highlights included:
·
Played an
integral leadership role supervising the development of multimedia content,
(broadcast, web, mobile), website and e-commerce opportunities, live events and
entertainment, original scripted and non-scripted programming and unique
branding experiences and sponsorship opportunities.
·
Created and
produced 'The Million Dollar Idea' - a live, touring show/event, broadcast
series and content for the web.
·
Directed five
TV commercials, web based content and a music video for the re-launch of
Bazooka Bubble Gum. The music video, starring The Heights, has almost three
million views! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZXRaVBf0pY
·
Created and
produced a trend setting and unique web based branding experience (for one of
our clients) that positioned them as a 'destination of choice' and produced
non-traditional revenue. The project included creating an interactive website,
web and mobile content.
Pegasus
Theatrical Inc. (& Political Productions), Southfield, MI | 2/2003
- 9/2004
Sr. VP,
Executive Creative Director & Executive Producer, Live Events
Supervised event
design and production, (festivals, conventions, meetings, product launches,
press conferences, concerts), live remote and studio film, video and audio
production and post production, negotiating contracts (including talent), rates
and overseeing contractors and vendors, union and non-union, budgeting and
scheduling. I also hired, trained and managed outside sales accounts
executives.
Highlights included:
·
New Services
Introduced to generate NTR - revenue increased by 30%+
·
Restructuring
of Rate Card (and lowering operating expenses) to increase profitability.
·
Created
employee education - stressing product knowledge and providing superior 'best
in industry' customer service - and incentive/profit sharing programs resulting
in a 35% increase in employee productivity/sales.
·
Winner: 2004
The Seeker Business Web Award
Tourdesign
Creative Services/Clear Channel Entertainment | 10/1998 - 12/2002
Chief Operating Officer, Executive Creative Director, Head
of Production and Development
Indianapolis,
New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, Vancouver
Responsible for
day-to-day operations, project budgeting and financial forecasting, (with
P&L responsibility), identified industry trends, new areas of growth and
led new business efforts. Growth and profit (from existing clients, new clients
and the introduction of new services) exceeded all goals, projections and
expectations! (35%+ every year!)
Other
responsibilities and highlights included:
·
Approved all
creative work (produced for TV, Radio, Outdoor, Print, Website Design, Web
Content, Interactive Multimedia, Entertainment Trailers, Sales Reels and
managed Creative, Production, Post Production, Client Services and Marketing
Departments.
·
Established
(staffed and managed) a website design and web based content division that
generated more than a million dollars in NTR.
·
Managed the
development and launch of a multimedia content distribution system that sped up
the production/approval process and media delivery - saving our clients millions
of dollars and creating a new revenue stream that generated millions of dollars
in NTR.
·
Worked very
closely with clients developing and implementing advertising, marketing and
promotional strategies; formulated design concepts and presentation approaches,
coordinated and directed film, video, audio and artwork production and post
production, illustration, photography and assisted with copywriting and
scripting for a variety of consumer driven product categories.
·
Supervised the
expansion of the company, (services and client base), hired and managed
Regional Marketing Directors in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles and Vancouver.
(ROI far exceeded objectives, projections and expectations.)
·
Introduced the
Team TDCS Concept, encouraged employee continuing education, introduced
incentive and training programs and restructured company to increase
productivity and profit.
·
Created award
winning marketing and promotional multimedia presentation materials to promote
TDCS.
·
Directed
feature length documentary, "Corrosion of Conformity: Live Volume The
Movie"
Love
Advertising, Houston, Texas | 10/1996 - 10/1998
Sr. VP,
Executive Creative Director
Managed and
supervised the Creative Department, (TV, Radio, Outdoor, Print, Website Design,
Web Content, Interactive Multimedia, etc.), Film/Video Producers, Directed TV
commercials, member of the New Business Development Team and responsible for
budgeting and scheduling people and facilities. Participated in 13 new business
pitches, won 8! Growth/Profit exceeded all projections and expectations. (30%+)
The NAVARAC
Film Group, New York, LA, Miami, Toronto, Vancouver | 2/1984 - 8/1996
President,
Managing Partner, Executive Producer, Director
NFG was formed in
association with Bean Kahn Films, James H. Spencer (Director, Production
Designer) and Dream Quest Images.
Responsibilities
included people and facilities management, scheduling, budgeting, forecasting
and client management. I directed over two hundred television commercials,
(Areas of specialization included automobiles, consumer products and kid’s
products), music videos, infomercials, broadcast and non-broadcast programming,
sales promotion and training videos.
Additional
Experience:
VP, Executive Producer, BBDO Advertising, New York, NY
Dodge, Black &
Decker, Firestone Tires, MasterCare Car Service, Pepsi and Wrigley's.
VP, Executive Producer, Compton Advertising, New York, NY
Procter and Gamble,
JEEP, Montclair Water, FAYGO Beverages, Jesse Jeans and AVON.
Copywriter, J. Walter Thompson Advertising, New York, NY
US Marines, Burger
King, Ken-L Ration Dog Food and Fleischmann's Yeast.
Awards
Advertising Club of Detroit /Gold Sohio Gas, "Pistons"
ACD/Gold, Silver, Bronze Dodge Campaign
Mobious Awards, US Festival Best Automotive, Dodge
Art Director's Club of NY Dodge Campaign
Cannes Lion Black and
Decker Corporate Campaign
Clio Jesse
Jeans, Campaign,
ANDY Award Dupont
"Weatherguard", Jesse Jeans "Outlawed"
Jeep
"You Always Wanted One"
Faygo
Beverages "Chief Red Pop"
One Show P&G "Ivory 100 Years"
Gold Award, US Film Festival, "Alice in Avonland"
ADDY Westside
Tennis Club, Texas Special Olympics
Telly Worldfund
Texas
Special Olympics
HADA
"Earning by Learning" Program
Tourdesign
Presentation, The Rellim Tour
Aurora The
Rellim Tour
Web Business Seeker Award Pegasus Theatrical
Special
Accomplishments:
Featured in '50
Great Writers You Should Be Reading', by Danielle Hampson & Don McCauley
(2010)
·
Published (2008)
a novel, 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt'.
·
Published
(2006) 'Something About Going Home', a collection of original poetry with
illustrations by Christina Qualiana
·
Received the
Cannes Lion for a series of commercials I produced and co-directed for BBDO and
Black & Decker.
·
Received the
Distinguished Alumnus Award (from American University) and established the
NAVARAC Scholarship...an annual contribution providing funds, services and
resources to help students complete film/video/multimedia projects.
·
Received international
recognition (25+ awards) for work created and produced.
·
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZXRaVBf0pY
- Music video I created and co-directed
for Bazooka Bubble Gum – over 3.5 million views and counting!
Education
American University, Washington, DC - BA, Communications
Participated in Blue Ocean Strategic Strategy Sessions and
Workshops
