Creative Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Creative Director

🔹 Company: Sawhorse Productions

🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Entertainment Providers

🔹 Date Posted: July 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote-friendly with PST core hours

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading breakthrough campaign work across commercials, social content, experiential, and emerging tech
• Pitching, conceptualizing, and guiding the execution of creative that resonates with audiences
• Collaborating closely with strategy, marketing, and production teams to deliver multi-channel campaigns
• Mentoring and inspiring creative teams to uphold high standards for innovation, collaboration, and execution

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of strategic vision, copywriting chops, and cross-platform thinking to bring bold ideas to life for world-class brands, studios, and artists.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead concept development, creative direction, and storytelling for high-profile campaigns from pitch through delivery

✅ Write scripts and treatments for commercial spots, docu-style narratives, social-first content, and celebrity/influencer campaigns

✅ Lead creative ideation and execution for launch campaigns, promotional spots, and branded content that aligns with platform and audience trends

✅ Own the creative voice in client meetings and pitches, maintaining strong relationships and anticipating future creative needs

✅ Collaborate closely with strategy, marketing, and production teams to deliver multi-channel campaigns for leading entertainment and brand clients

✅ Craft compelling decks and responses to RFPs, working closely with strategy and production teams to win new business

✅ Work with producers, editors, designers, and freelancers to align creative vision with production realities

✅ Support and inspire creative teams, upholding our high bar for innovation, collaboration, and execution

✅ Conduct audience targeting and strategic planning before creative ideation begins, identifying who we’re speaking to, where they are, what resonates, and why—backed by insights, data, and best practices seen in top agency workflows

✅ Stay current with marketing trends, digital culture, and emerging platforms from TikTok to AR/VR and beyond

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative and effective campaigns.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Experience: 5+ years in creative direction or senior creative roles, preferably in agency or studio settings with B2C brand experience

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to craft persuasive and platform-tailored copy across video, social, and digital formats
• Experience working across set builds, live-action shoots, and post-production
• Track record developing creative for high-visibility campaigns for global consumer brands and entertainment
• Comfortable leading pitches, building decks in Google Slides, and communicating big ideas clearly
• Able to translate KPIs, audience insights, and brand strategy into powerful creative concepts
• Deep understanding of social, digital, experiential, and emerging channels
• Experience managing or mentoring creative teams in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills:

• Directing experience: Comfortable directing branded content, commercials, or AV materials
• Tech fluency: Experience with AR/VR, immersive campaigns, or generative AI
• Experiential campaigns: Background in interactive or live experiences

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their creative direction and copywriting skills, along with experience working on high-profile campaigns for global brands.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000 annual salary, depending on experience. Industry standard for a Creative Director role in Los Angeles.

Benefits:

• Annual bonus structure
• Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k)

Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid role with weekly in-office or on-set presence required for cross-departmental and leadership collaboration. Core hours are PST.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in Los Angeles, considering the experience level and the company's size.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Entertainment Providers. Sawhorse Productions is a creative agency and full-service production company creating multiplatform content and interactive experiences.

Company Size: 11-50 employees. As a mid-sized company, Sawhorse Productions offers a more intimate work environment with opportunities for growth and impact.

Founded: 2013. Sawhorse Productions has been in the industry for over a decade, providing ample experience and stability.

Company Description:

• Sawhorse Productions is an award-winning creative agency and production company that makes unforgettable content and interactive experiences.
• Their projects include branded content, social/digital content, broadcast commercials, UGC gaming platform experiences, and interactive/Web3 activations (AR, VR, MR, AI).
• They partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi, and Alo to deliver industry-leading, innovative multi-platform content.

Company Specialties:

• Film and Television Production
• Production and Post-Production
• Commercials
• Branded Content
• Editorial
• Digital Productions

Company Website: sawhorsela.com

ASSUMPTION: Sawhorse Productions' focus on creating innovative and engaging content for high-profile clients makes it an attractive opportunity for creative professionals seeking to make an impact in the entertainment industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior. This role is a senior-level position, requiring extensive experience and expertise in creative direction.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Executive Creative Director and oversees a team of creatives, producers, and strategists.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid. This role requires weekly in-office or on-set presence for cross-departmental and leadership collaboration, with the rest of the time being remote-friendly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to lead and grow the creative department as the company expands
• Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns for global brands and entertainment clients
• Chance to mentor and develop junior creatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a substantial impact on the company's creative output and success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Creative agency and production studio. Sawhorse Productions' office is a collaborative and creative space designed to foster innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): 3499 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, California 90068, US

Geographic Context:

• Los Angeles is a major hub for the entertainment industry, offering ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry professionals.
• The city is known for its diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and year-round mild climate.
• Los Angeles offers a wide range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban family homes, with varying costs depending on the neighborhood.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with weekly in-office or on-set presence required for cross-departmental and leadership collaboration. Core hours are PST.

ASSUMPTION: Los Angeles offers a dynamic and vibrant work environment for creative professionals, with ample opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to discuss qualifications and fit for the role
• In-person or virtual portfolio presentation and creative challenge
• Final interview with key stakeholders, including the Executive Creative Director

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creative portfolio and case studies demonstrating strategic thinking and execution
• Presentation skills and ability to clearly articulate creative concepts
• Cultural fit and alignment with Sawhorse Productions' values and work environment
• Problem-solving skills and ability to think critically about creative challenges

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and company, and explains why you're a strong fit
• Be ready to discuss your creative process, inspirations, and how you approach creative challenges

ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Copywriting, Campaign Leadership, Client Presentations, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Audience Strategy, Trend Fluency, Team Leadership, Production Fluency, Strategic Thinking, Presentation Skills, Mentorship, Creative Collaboration, Promotional Content Strategy, Pitch Development, High-Profile Launch Experience

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on creative portfolio and presentation skills. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking and ability to execute high-quality creative work.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Slides
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Jira)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using industry-standard creative and project management tools to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Creativity and innovation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Accountability and excellence

Work Style:

• Creative and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Fast-paced and deadline-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a creative and collaborative work environment?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting?
• Do you have a strong portfolio that demonstrates your ability to execute high-quality creative work?

ASSUMPTION: Sawhorse Productions values creativity, collaboration, and accountability, seeking candidates who are passionate about their work, thrive in a creative environment, and are committed to delivering high-quality results.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing creative vision with production realities and client feedback
• Adapting to a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment
• Working remotely with a team spread across different time zones

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Creative Director role in an advertising agency, but with a focus on entertainment and experiential marketing
• Unlike traditional advertising agencies, Sawhorse Productions offers a more hands-on and collaborative work environment, with opportunities to work directly with clients and production teams
• Career progression in this role could lead to a leadership position within the creative department or a move to a similar role at a larger agency or production company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative direction, strategic thinking, and hands-on production experience, making it an attractive opportunity for creative professionals seeking to grow their skills and advance their careers in the entertainment industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a creative campaign for a major brand launch, including commercial spots, social media content, and experiential activations
• Conceptualizing and executing a high-profile celebrity-driven spot for a global entertainment client
• Leading the creative direction for an immersive AR/VR experience, collaborating with production and technology teams to bring the vision to life

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of creative challenges and opportunities that a Creative Director at Sawhorse Productions might face, requiring strategic thinking, creativity, and strong collaboration skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the creative process and collaboration structure within the creative department?
• How does the company support the growth and development of its creative team members?
• What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of working as a Creative Director at Sawhorse Productions?
• How does the company approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its creative work and work environment?
• What opportunities are there for collaboration and learning from other departments within the company?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the creative process, work environment, and cultural fit at Sawhorse Productions, ensuring a strong match for both the candidate and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and company, and explains why you're a strong fit
• Be ready to discuss your creative process, inspirations, and how you approach creative challenges during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.