FILM, MOTION, & DESIGN
Working with the C-suite
Since joining ServiceNow in 2017, I've had the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with the company's executives, diving into some really impactful video projects. My role is about translating the big-picture ideas from our communications teams—and sometimes directly from the execs themselves—into engaging video content, insightful interviews, and communications that span both the internal scene and the wider world. Collaborating so closely with ServiceNow’s leadership has been an incredible journey and a blast, showcasing the power of video storytelling in connecting our global team.
Executive Film Studio
As ServiceNow expanded, so did the need for a dedicated film studio tailored to our executives, especially for CEO Bill McDermott. Our goal was to move away from the impersonal ambience of rented studios to create a space that catered to the unique requirements of our C-Suite and brand aesthetic. The studio was envisioned to support a variety of activities, from Bill’s CNBC interviews to internal communications and brand photography.
In collaboration with our IT production team, who oversaw the technical setup of the room, my role was focused on crafting the aesthetic and functionality of the set. I designed it to accommodate both single-talent and multi-talent interviews, ensuring it could be customized to suit various executive preferences, with a particular focus on creating a unique look for Bill. This included choosing art that resonated with our company culture and creating versatile digital backgrounds for media appearances, enhancing our brand's visibility to a public audience.
The first shoot in our bespoke studio was a hit, especially with Bill, who loved how the studio looked and worked—plus, the convenience of having it right in our building. It was a project that married technical functionality with our brand’s spirit, and seeing it come to life was a proud moment for everyone involved.
Team
My role - Creative Director
IT Production - Jeremy Walker
Set Creation - Staging Solutions
Program Manager - Daniel Koga
Storytime with our CEO, Bill McDermott
In 2020, when everyone felt stuck at home and connected only through spotty Wi-Fi, our team took on the challenge of keeping our employees connected, inspired, and motivated to be #ServiceNowStrong through the global pandemic and beyond.
For these recorded (and animated) readings, we partner with Comms to select stories that compliment Bill’s personality and voice. The messages in these stories encourage employees to dream big and believe in the boundless potential in all of us. The series is among Bill’s top-engaged internal posts of all time.
Our Brand + Comms team won top honors for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Excellence. This award honors teams who set the standard for visual storytelling and inspire marketing and communications professionals all over the world.
Results
Won the IABC Gold Quill Award
Team
My role - Creative Director
Art Direction - Jonathan Pharr
Animation - Annie Liao, Joey Bianco
Filming - Brent Holland, Evan Henkel
Program Manager - Daniel Koga
The Purpose Tour - Opening Video
This was my first creative project with the ServiceNow executive team, including John Donahoe (who would later become the CEO of Nike), Pat Wadors, our then CHRO, and Alan Marks, our CCO. The first annual Purpose Tour aimed to unite our global employees around the company's purpose and goals, featuring our leaders visiting our primary offices around the world. My role was to craft the opening video for these events, portraying our executives in a fun and relatable manner.
I developed the concept and pitched it to our then-CCO, Alan Marks. Following his prompt approval, I was on a tight three-week deadline to bring the video to life—from organizing the schedule to collaborating with animators and illustrators who could bring the idea to life. This was before I built our in-house video and motion team, so I enlisted the expertise of external talent.
The big reveal happened at the San Jose Convention Center, and it was pretty special seeing our work on the big screen. As the executive team made their rounds globally, the video played a key role in rallying our employees around our shared mission to make the world work better for people.
Team
My role - Creative Director, Animation
Illustration - Tae Kim
Keying - Derek Dockendorf
