📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Freelance Associate Creative Director, Digital
🔹 Company: BMF
🔹 Location: Tokyo, Japan
🔹 Job Type: Freelance
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Tokyo)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting a hospitality client based in Tokyo
- Collaborating with creative professionals to craft video art direction and storyboard treatments
- Providing cultural knowledge and nuance to the team
- Having experience in scripting brand videos and/or TV commercials
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the local market and cultural nuances, as well as experience in brand video production.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Scripting brand videos and/or TV commercials
✅ Collaborating with art directors, motion graphics artists, and visual designers to craft video art direction and storyboard treatments
✅ Providing cultural knowledge and nuance to the team
✅ Having on-set direction experience
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in brand video production or a related field
Required Skills:
- Scripting brand videos and/or TV commercials
- Social-first copywriting / scriptwriting (a big plus)
- Experience working with art directors, motion graphics artists, and visual designers
- On-set direction experience
- Cultural knowledge of Tokyo and Japan
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a fast-paced agency environment
- Bilingual or multilingual skills (Japanese/English)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the hospitality industry or working with international brands may have an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Industry standard for a freelance Associate Creative Director in Tokyo is ¥3,000,000 - ¥5,000,000 per year (approximately $24,000 - $40,000 USD).
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work with a global integrated creative marketing agency
- Exposure to a diverse range of clients and projects
- Potential for long-term collaboration and growth
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours based on project needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: BMF is an advertising services company, specializing in event design & production, brand marketing, and more.
Company Size: BMF has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized agency environment.
Founded: BMF was founded in 2003 and has since grown into a global integrated creative marketing agency.
Company Description:
- BMF is known for humanizing brands in unexpected, inspiring, and impactful ways
- The agency specializes in event design & production, brand marketing, marketing strategy, sponsorships, talent management & bookings, publicity, and social media & influencer relations
- BMF's global client roster includes Marriott International, Visa, Gucci, and more
Company Specialties:
- Experiential marketing
- Branding
- Digital media
- Influencer marketing
- Social media
- Talent booking and management
- Events
- Music PR and public relations
Company Website: wearebmf.com
ASSUMPTION: BMF's global presence and diverse client base offer opportunities for candidates to work on a wide range of projects and gain international experience.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of the creative director career path, focusing on associate creative director responsibilities.
Reporting Structure: The freelance associate creative director will report directly to the creative team lead or project manager.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in Tokyo, with the possibility of remote work for specific projects.
Growth Opportunities:
- Gaining experience working with a global agency
- Expanding portfolio with diverse projects
- Potential for long-term collaboration and growth within the agency
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the creative industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: BMF's Tokyo office is a creative and collaborative workspace, fostering innovation and teamwork.
Office Location(s): 50 West 23rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10010, US (headquarters); specific Tokyo location TBD
Geographic Context:
- Tokyo is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene and diverse consumer market
- The city offers numerous opportunities for creative inspiration and collaboration
- Tokyo's time zone ( JST, UTC +9) may require some flexibility for international communication
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours based on project needs
ASSUMPTION: Working in Tokyo provides unique cultural insights and opportunities for creative growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to discuss experience and fit
- Creative challenge or test to assess skills and style
- Final interview with the creative team lead or project manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Cultural knowledge and understanding of the local market
- Scriptwriting and storytelling skills
- Collaboration and teamwork abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience in brand video production and on-set direction
- Showcase a diverse portfolio demonstrating creativity and versatility
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your cultural knowledge and understanding of the local market
ATS Keywords: Scripting, Brand Videos, TV Commercials, Social-First Copywriting, Scriptwriting, Art Direction, Storyboarding, On-Set Direction, Cultural Knowledge
ASSUMPTION: BMF's application process may vary depending on the specific role and project, so it's essential to stay informed and adaptable.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard creative software and project management tools is essential for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Passion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Creative and collaborative
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you incorporate local cultural nuances into your creative work?
- How do you handle tight deadlines and changing project requirements?
- How do you collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including art directors, motion graphics artists, and visual designers?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with BMF's values and work style will be better suited for this role and the agency's culture.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines
- Adapting to a fast-paced agency environment
- Navigating cultural differences and nuances in a global agency setting
- Balancing client expectations with creative vision
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from in-house creative director positions in that it focuses on supporting specific client projects rather than overseeing an agency's creative output
- Compared to other freelance creative roles, this position offers the opportunity to work with a global agency and gain international experience
- Career paths may include transitioning to a full-time role within the agency or moving into a more senior creative director position
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to related positions can help candidates determine if it's the right fit for their career goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Scripting and storyboarding a TV commercial for a hospitality client, incorporating local cultural elements
- Collaborating with an art director and motion graphics artist to create a brand video for a global fashion brand, showcasing their unique aesthetic and values
- Working with a visual designer to develop a social media campaign for a tech company, highlighting their innovative products and services
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the diverse range of work an associate creative director might encounter in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the agency's overall creative strategy for the hospitality client?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does BMF support the professional growth and development of its freelance team members?
- What is the typical timeline for feedback and revisions on creative projects?
- How does BMF foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, particularly in a global setting?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process can help candidates better understand the role, the agency, and their potential fit within the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through BMF's careers page
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and cultural knowledge
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work in brand video production and on-set direction
- Follow up with BMF one week after submission to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
