Introduction to Advertising & Artificial Intelligence

Stop ignoring the future of commercial production and start leading it.
This high-impact lesson cuts through the hype and shows you how AI is reshaping creative development, workflows, and client expectations.

You’ll learn how to:

• Apply a tool-agnostic AI workflow for rapid ideation & visual concepting
  
• Run a powerful AI Discovery Meeting with clients.
  
• Guide teams toward the most innovative and safest use of emerging tech.
  
• Adopt the AI mindset that amplifies (not replaces) human creativity.
  

Walk away with a framework that stays relevant no matter how fast the technology evolves.

Instructor: Elliot Feld — Founding Partner, Manual Override (AI-first agency)

The Art of Freelancing

Unlock the playbook to building a thriving, sustainable freelance career as an agency producer.

You’ll learn how to:

• Set up your business with the proper structure (Sole Prop, LLC, S-Corp).
  
• Price your work confidently: day rates, flat fees, retainers.
  
• Build the financial systems every freelancer needs.
  
• Become the producer that clients request by name.
  

Stop chasing jobs. Start creating the network and reputation that makes the work come to you.

Instructor: Clare Cashman — Freelance Producer & Production Consultant

With more than two decades of experience across client-side and agency settings, Clare, better known as Cash, combines wide-ranging expertise to guide broadcast and integrated production.

Working With Production Consultants

Get the insider understanding of what production consultants actually do and how to work with them seamlessly.

You’ll learn:

The difference between the old-school “cost-cutter” and the modern consultant partner.

How to prepare clear, professional budgets that build trust.

The complete six-stage consultant process:

• Pre-Bid Meeting
  
• Competitive Bidding
  
• Single Bidding
  
• Award Meeting
  
• Pre-Production Alignment
  
• Final Documentation
  

Become the producer who protects the creative vision and the budget with confidence.

Instructor: Clare Cashman — Freelance Producer & Production Consultant

With more than two decades of experience across client-side and agency settings, Clare, better known as Cash, combines wide-ranging expertise to guide broadcast and integrated production.

How to Understand a Production Company Shoot Bid

This is the essential financial blueprint every new and mid-level agency producer needs.

You’ll learn how to read, understand and interpret:

• Top Sheet estimate
• Director & Location expenses
• Crew requirements, 
• Equipment and art department costs
• Talent, casting costs
• Insurance costing
  

Know the right questions to ask.
Become the producer who never gets blindsided on a budget call again.

Instructor: TBD

What Creatives Need From Producers

 If you’ve ever wondered what makes a producer truly indispensable to a creative team, this is the Accelerator that tells you.

Learn the five core traits creatives value most: Trust. Clarity. Curiosity. Proactivity. Taste.

You’ll learn to:

• Become the ally, not the gatekeeper.
• Translate creative ambition into executable reality.
• Use communication to inspire confidence.
• De-escalate conflict before it happens.
• Protect the creative spark while still delivering on deadlines.
  

Stop just managing deliverables. Start becoming the partner creatives fight to keep on their projects.

Instructor: TBD (Craig / James / Chris / Nellie)

Virtual Production Fundamentals

(LED Volume / ICVFX)

 Step into the future of filmmaking with a clear, producer-friendly roadmap to Virtual Production.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand the LED Volume & ICVFX workflow.
  
• Budget and schedule Virtual Production responsibly.
  
• Replace costly location moves & weather issues with predictable, controlled environments.
  
• Communicate about new roles, such as the Virtual Production Supervisor.
  
• Align clients & creative teams in real time.
  

Turn post-production headaches into pre-production wins and elevate the way you produce forever.

Instructor: Evan Blacker — Director of Operations, 2D House Inc.