Talented video content producer and storyteller
Intro
Creative Producer specializing in branded storytelling, video production, and multi-channel content strategy
Work
Creative Producer with 8+ years of experience leading end-to-end content production across video, social media, and branded storytelling. Combines journalism-driven narrative skills with hands-on production expertise to develop high-performing content campaigns. Proven ability to concept, produce, and distribute engaging content that strengthens brand identity and drives audience engagement.
Video
Mr. Fancy Pants - True Classic and Collars & Co.
Objective:
To advertise a referral program collaboration between True Classic and Collars & Co.’s Southlake storefronts.
My Role
Creative direction, scripting, production, and all post-production editing.
Approach:
To capitalize on the proximity of True Classic and Collars & Co.’s Southlake locations, I reached out to Collars & Co. to establish the referral program before crafting the ad to showcase both brands’ assortments and potential demographic overlap.
Execution:
After finalizing the script and shot list, I cast the two additional roles needed for the ad, serving as the main character myself for simplicity’s sake. After wrapping up filming at both True Classic and Collars & Co., I saw to all aspects of post-production, including sound engineering, color grading, and optimization. Additionally, I put together a social media campaign for the Southlake Town Square.
Results:
The referral program saw a 37% increase in the immediate weeks following the campaign, with customers aware of the additional savings thanks to the social media strategy and True Classic playing the ad in-store.
As both locations are new to Southlake, the production improved brand visibility and consistency, leading multiple customers per week to visit both stores rather than just one.
Why guys buy 4 shirts at True Classic instead of 1 - True Classic
Objective:
In order to raise awareness about True Classic’s new Southlake location, I created a simple “talking head” video utilizing b-roll and a green screen effect. In it, I discuss the key selling points of the brand’s t-shirts, as well as what sets them apart from competitors.
My Role:
Scripting, filming, and post-production
Approach:
In order to demonstrate to Store Managers across the True Classic fleet how they could create simple content to leverage their store fronts and the brand overall, I put this quick explainer video together with an ear-catching hook in the opening seconds.
Execution:
To showcase the simplicity of this setup, I filmed with an iPhone 14 Pro Max, a tabletop tripod, and a wireless microphone, using natural light to help me stand out from the background for the green-screen effect.
Going Hamm - True Classic
Objective:
To raise awareness of the new store opening by jumping on a trending social media format.
My Role:
Planning and executing the simple concept, including the smooth edit blend into the meme template
Approach:
As part of a series of quick-format videos filmed to showcase content creation to the True Classic fleet, I utilized a current trend with some creative video editing to further elevate the concept beyond most casual content creators.
Execution:
Filmed immediately after the video above, I used an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a simple tripod. Post-production was handled in Adobe Premiere and CapCut.
1st Class Heat & Air Comfort Club membership
Objective:
Client requested a promotional video for their new HVAC service membership, utilizing AI and physical production.
My Role:
Cast the lead actress, direct, and then assemble the final product utilizing b-roll and SFX.
Approach:
Since the script already existed when I came onto the project, though I did some minor rewrites for clarity's sake and to help the actress sound more natural, I focused predominantly on the staging and lighting. The human piece was the anchor for the video.
Execution:
For filming, I utilized a Canon EOS RP camera with tripod and teleprompter attachment, as well as a simple lighting kit, and DJI wireless microphone. Post-production was handled in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Results:
Improved brand visibility for the client’s HVAC maintenance program
Pack of the Week - True Classic
Objective:
In an effort to drive awareness of True Classic’s Pack of the Week, an immersive animation was created to feature employees from multiple locations wearing that week’s pack.
My Role:
To visualize the concept and lead end-to-end execution. This included photo and video elements as well as masking effects in post-production to achieve the final product.
Approach:
Create a sense of a 3-dimensional visual that would catch the eye of passing shoppers while utilizing ordinary people, as opposed to models.
Execution:
A few different versions of this were tested, but this iteration was the most successful. Utilizing a Canon EOS RP camera tripod, photos of each model were taken from 8 different angles, followed by a quick video to showcase the completed loop “animation”.
Results:
Pack of the Week sales increased by close to 40% in the three weeks the experimental program ran.
Support Where It Counts - True Classic
Objective:
To create a simple ad for True Classic’s fly boxers.
Bold Flavor Requires Bold Action - Don Pepe’s Rancho
Objective:
Create a social media ad to raise awareness for a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Dallas, TX.
My Role:
To oversee complete production of the video, from concept to the final edit.
Approach:
Blend b-roll filmed in-restaurant with footage shot in-home to establish the powerful appeal of Don Pepe’s authentic Mexican cuisine.
Execution:
An array of creative shots, including one from the inside of an active microwave, draws viewers in and holds their attention before a VFX explosion launches us into the b-roll. Wireless mics, mobile camera lighting kit, and a simple tripod were used to produce the ad. SFX and VFX were assembled through MotionArray.com.
Results:
Don Pepe’s has run Meta ads on Facebook and Instagram with the video multiple times, seeing favorable engagement and reach. At the time of writing, we are in talks to film another ad for the restaurant.
The Man in the Mirror - True Classic
Objective:
To showcase the versatility of True Classic and its ability to help any guy “level up” their look.
My Role:
Creative direction, scripting, production, and editing.
Approach:
This ad is built around the visual effect with the mirror, so I limited my on-screen involvement to remain behind the camera and focus on direction.
Execution:
For the edit, I utilized Adobe Premiere Pro. MotionArray was also utilized for SFX and basic VFX.
Results:
The Man in the Mirror was immediately added to the in-store video asset rotation, playing in True Classic stores all across the country.
In The Wild - True Classic
Objective:
To spotlight True Classic’s retail locations by way of a comedic sketch, intentionally filmed in a more immersive fashion.
My Role:
Creative direction, scripting, production, and editing.
Approach:
To support that immersive feeling, it was decided that the ad should include TikTok-style footage filmed almost in secret by a True Classic employee.
Execution:
Because of the TikTok-style approach, the ad was filmed handheld with a iPhone 14 Pro Max and nothing else.
A True Classic Christmas - True Classic
Objective:
To raise brand-level awareness by creating a Christmas ad for the brand that showcases the retail locations.
My Role:
Creative direction, scripting, production, and editing.
Approach:
Since the ad involved multiple moving parts and a tight deadline, the script was kept tight and fast-paced. There was also a great deal of care applied to the post-production process with respect to sound design and color grading.
Execution:
Multiple iPhones, wireless mic systems, and lighting kits. Post production utilized MotionArray.com.
Results:
Custom End Cards featuring each retail location’s address were produced and shared with them, as well as their various mall management groups to be shared on social media. True Classic also ran a targeted ad campaign featuring the ad to leverage their holiday promotions.
What Are Your Red Flags? - True Classic
Objective:
Increase awareness of True Classic’s retail division.
My Role:
Creative direction, scripting, production, and editing.
Approach:
This ad was a bit more ambition than previous ads, casting additional talent from outside of the company, as well as multiple settings.
Execution:
After casting the talent and coordinating around both restaurants and the store’s hours of operation, I carried out a lean production using a pop up lighting kit, wireless microphones, and an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Weight Loss Journey - True Classic
Objective:
Share a real customer story to shine a light on True Classic’s retail division, as well as the brand’s strongest selling points.
My Role:
Creative direction, scripting, production, and editing.
Approach:
To present an interesting hook and tell stories that resonate with customers, I focused on a straightforward story about a real customer interaction.
Execution:
This ad was filmed with an iPhone, a tripod, and a wireless microphone system. Post production was handled in Adobe Premiere, with a couple of basic assets provided by MotionArray.com.
Results:
The most popular ad I’ve produced thus far for True Classic, this ad has been a staple in stores across the country, and has been used for multiple targeted ad campaigns.
When shared organically, it amassed more than 50,000 views across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Homecoming Fit - True Classic
Objective:
To tell real customer stories that highlights True Classic’s retail fleet.
My Role:
Creative direction, scripting, production, and editing.
Approach:
Ensure audience retention by crafting a tight, fast-paced story.
Execution:
Filmed with an iPhone 14 Pro Max, tripod, and a wireless mic system.
Purple Ribbon Conversations - LatterHouse Decor
Objective:
To share Rolanda Mcharia’s incredible story while shining a light on LatterHouse’s important work.
My Role:
Production, lighting, and sound, as well as post-production.
Approach:
For this chat, I had an approximate idea of how long we wanted the episode to be. My job was to set it up, make sure it looked nice, and then let them talk to get all the best parts, which I would then trim down in post.
Execution:
This was filmed with a Sony a7 camera, DJI wireless mic system, and professional lighting at the Makers Gym studio in Frisco, TX. Post production was carried out in DaVinci Resolve, with supporting assets coming from MotionArray.com.
Social media
Spring Blood Drive Recap
To spotlight CoServ’s twice-yearly blood drive, a social campaign, along with a write up for the website and Texas Co-op Power magazine, was planned. The blood collected from this drive helped more than 200 people across North Texas.
Careers Initiative
To promote CoServ’s careers initiative, a social media campaign, along with a podcast episode tie-in, was planned and produced.
Grand Prize winner surprise
Every year, CoServ awards one lucky member with a year’s worth of free electricity. To commemorate this event, a photo op and social post was planned.
For the 85th anniversary of CoServ, formerly known as Denton County Electric Co-op, a campaign known as 85 for 85 was launched, sharing 85 facts about the co-op and its sprawling history to commemorate the milestone. These facts were researched and curated by myself and another writer in the Communications department.
Podcasts
Writing samples
DarreckKirby.com
DarreckKirby.com
DarreckKirby.com
Denton Record-Chronicle
The Smoking Cuban
ClutchPoints
DarreckKirby.com
Photography
Phenomenal light — Raw
Our Daily Bread new facility ribbon cutting ceremony
Dallas Tri-County Classic Car Show — 2021
Lake City, Colorado
Mario Cadena practicing for first concert post-pandemic
Possum Kingdom Lake, Golden Hour
Possum Kingdom Lake, Golden Hour long exposure
Possum Kingdom Lake, Golden Hour long exposure
Old Alton Bridge — Denton, TX
Bonnie & Clyde Days — Little Elm, TX
My CV
I’ve held a variety of professional writing positions in marketing, journalism, and sports media, where I’ve been responsible for delivering everything from social copy to extensive features.
About
All works on this site are the property of my clients.