Bonus Track: Lightning Questions with Oli Walsh - E73

Alternative career choices? Next travel destinations? Favorite food? We welcome back Ali Brown for a fun round of lightning questions.Ali Brown brings expansive knowledge of industry production and distinct storytelling to her roles as President and Partner of award-winning production company PRETTYBIRD and Academy Award-nominated creative studio Ventureland. Under Brown’s leadership, PRETTYBIRD’s work and roster continue to be recognized on the global stage with top honors from Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio Awards, D&AD, and the AICP Awards, as well as being named Ad Age’s Production Company of the Year twice. Between 2024 and 2025, the company and its projects earned 182 distinctions across award wins, shortlists, and longlists, including an Emmy nomination for the award darling “Michael CeraVe” spot. In 2025, PRETTYBIRD was named Production Company of the Year at the Clio Awards and ranked No. 2 on Ad Age’s Production Company A-List, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the commercial arena. Brown co-founded Ventureland in 2020 alongside Oscar-winning producer John Battsek and PRETTYBIRD partners Kerstin Emhoff and Paul Hunter. Her creative vision continues to drive compelling scripted and unscripted storytelling, executive producing Netflix’s Emmy-winning Beckham, Academy Award-nominated Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Apple TV+’s Government Cheese starring David Oyelowo, and Hulu’s Daytime Emmy-winning docuseries Searching for Soul Food. She also executive-produced Netflix’s American Manhunt anthology, with its 2025 installments on O.J. Simpson and Osama bin Laden becoming global streaming hits. Further demonstrating her commitment to bold, original storytelling, Brown executive produced three films that premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival—Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, Just Sing, and Birthright—and oversaw the film component for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 2025 Good News Mass—a multi-sensory, multimedia collaboration between composer Carlos Simon and acclaimed director Melina Matsoukas. Internationally recognized for her leadership and insight, Brown has served as an ANDY’s Global Juror, Creativepool’s Creative of the Year, President of the New York Film Festival Film Craft Jury, a repeat speaker at Ciclope, and President of the Direction Jury at D&AD. She previously made history as the first female president of Cannes’ Young Directors Award Jury. Deeply committed to inclusion, Brown founded “Double the Line,” an initiative supported by AICP’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, aimed at increasing opportunities for BIPOC talent in production and post-production. Brown, alongside Kerstin Emhoff, was also a finalist for Creativity’s Diversity & Inclusion Champions of the Year in 2021.Episode References:Ali Brown | LinkedInPRETTYBIRD | Website2025 Highlights | Government Cheese2025 Highlights | Levi's 'The Denim Cowboy' campaign starring Beyoncé2025 Highlights | NikeSKIMS 'Bodies at Work'2025 Highlights | American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson2025 Highlights | American Manhunt: Osama bin LadenRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Life-altering incidents can profoundly impact us, often leading to periods of introspection and personal change. In this episode, Rei welcomes Ali Brown, the President and Executive Producer at Pretty Bird, for Part 2 of their conversation. Ali opens up about a powerful personal story of resilience and adaptation following a traumatic event. She also shares unique rituals for overcoming challenges and emphasizes the importance of responsiveness and human connection within the creative industry. The episode futher explores the evolving role of AI in filmmaking and highlights the value of storytelling amidst technological advancements.Ali Brown brings expansive knowledge of industry production and distinct storytelling to her roles as President and Partner of award-winning production company PRETTYBIRD and Academy Award-nominated creative studio Ventureland. Under Brown’s leadership, PRETTYBIRD’s work and roster continue to be recognized on the global stage with top honors from Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio Awards, D&AD, and the AICP Awards, as well as being named Ad Age’s Production Company of the Year twice. Between 2024 and 2025, the company and its projects earned 182 distinctions across award wins, shortlists, and longlists, including an Emmy nomination for the award darling “Michael CeraVe” spot. In 2025, PRETTYBIRD was named Production Company of the Year at the Clio Awards and ranked No. 2 on Ad Age’s Production Company A-List, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the commercial arena. Brown co-founded Ventureland in 2020 alongside Oscar-winning producer John Battsek and PRETTYBIRD partners Kerstin Emhoff and Paul Hunter. Her creative vision continues to drive compelling scripted and unscripted storytelling, executive producing Netflix’s Emmy-winning Beckham, Academy Award-nominated Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Apple TV+’s Government Cheese starring David Oyelowo, and Hulu’s Daytime Emmy-winning docuseries Searching for Soul Food. She also executive-produced Netflix’s American Manhunt anthology, with its 2025 installments on O.J. Simpson and Osama bin Laden becoming global streaming hits. Further demonstrating her commitment to bold, original storytelling, Brown executive produced three films that premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival—Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, Just Sing, and Birthright—and oversaw the film component for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 2025 Good News Mass—a multi-sensory, multimedia collaboration between composer Carlos Simon and acclaimed director Melina Matsoukas. Internationally recognized for her leadership and insight, Brown has served as an ANDY’s Global Juror, Creativepool’s Creative of the Year, President of the New York Film Festival Film Craft Jury, a repeat speaker at Ciclope, and President of the Direction Jury at D&AD. She previously made history as the first female president of Cannes’ Young Directors Award Jury. Deeply committed to inclusion, Brown founded “Double the Line,” an initiative supported by AICP’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, aimed at increasing opportunities for BIPOC talent in production and post-production. Brown, alongside Kerstin Emhoff, was also a finalist for Creativity’s Diversity & Inclusion Champions of the Year in 2021.Timestamps:0:03 Overcoming Life-Altering Challenges and Finding New Paths7:08 Ali Brown's Egg Timer Method for Managing Emotions11:12 The Power of Responsiveness in Professional Success14:32 Balancing Work, Life, and Personal Restoration17:47 Balancing Career Ambitions and Family Life23:02 Staying Relevant Through Curiosity and Connection25:21 AI's Impact on Filmmaking and Industry Concerns29:03 The Impact of AI on Storytelling and Filmmaking33:51 Embracing Old-School Habits in a Digital World34:19 The Impact of AI on Filmmaking and Storytelling37:47 AI's Struggle to Capture Authentic Human Imperfection38:23 AI's Role in Modern Film and Video Production39:36 Key TakeawaysEpisode References:Ali Brown | LinkedInPRETTYBIRD | Website2025 Highlights | Government Cheese2025 Highlights | Levi's 'The Denim Cowboy' campaign starring Beyoncé2025 Highlights | NikeSKIMS 'Bodies at Work'2025 Highlights | American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson2025 Highlights | American Manhunt: Osama bin LadenRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The decision to hire someone based on who they are, rather than their past accomplishments, is a powerful approach that can redefine talent acquisition strategies. In this episode, Rei talks with Ali Brown, President and Executive Producer at Pretty Bird, to uncover the secrets behind spotting and nurturing new talent in the creative industry, and key strategies that have kept Pretty Bird at the forefront of film and video production. Follow along as she shares anecdotes and strategies that have been pivotal in sustaining Pretty Bird's influence and leadership in the competitive realm of film production.Ali Brown brings expansive knowledge of industry production and distinct storytelling to her roles as President and Partner of award-winning production company PRETTYBIRD and Academy Award-nominated creative studio Ventureland. Under Brown’s leadership, PRETTYBIRD’s work and roster continue to be recognized on the global stage with top honors from Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio Awards, D&AD, and the AICP Awards, as well as being named Ad Age’s Production Company of the Year twice. Between 2024 and 2025, the company and its projects earned 182 distinctions across award wins, shortlists, and longlists, including an Emmy nomination for the award darling “Michael CeraVe” spot. In 2025, PRETTYBIRD was named Production Company of the Year at the Clio Awards and ranked No. 2 on Ad Age’s Production Company A-List, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the commercial arena. Brown co-founded Ventureland in 2020 alongside Oscar-winning producer John Battsek and PRETTYBIRD partners Kerstin Emhoff and Paul Hunter. Her creative vision continues to drive compelling scripted and unscripted storytelling, executive producing Netflix’s Emmy-winning Beckham, Academy Award-nominated Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Apple TV+’s Government Cheese starring David Oyelowo, and Hulu’s Daytime Emmy-winning docuseries Searching for Soul Food. She also executive-produced Netflix’s American Manhunt anthology, with its 2025 installments on O.J. Simpson and Osama bin Laden becoming global streaming hits. Further demonstrating her commitment to bold, original storytelling, Brown executive produced three films that premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival—Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, Just Sing, and Birthright—and oversaw the film component for the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 2025 Good News Mass—a multi-sensory, multimedia collaboration between composer Carlos Simon and acclaimed director Melina Matsoukas. Internationally recognized for her leadership and insight, Brown has served as an ANDY’s Global Juror, Creativepool’s Creative of the Year, President of the New York Film Festival Film Craft Jury, a repeat speaker at Ciclope, and President of the Direction Jury at D&AD. She previously made history as the first female president of Cannes’ Young Directors Award Jury. Deeply committed to inclusion, Brown founded “Double the Line,” an initiative supported by AICP’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, aimed at increasing opportunities for BIPOC talent in production and post-production. Brown, alongside Kerstin Emhoff, was also a finalist for Creativity’s Diversity & Inclusion Champions of the Year in 2021.Timestamps:0:03 Discovering the Secret to Developing Creative Talent2:58 The Art of Service and Creativity in Production9:12 Discovering and Nurturing Undiscovered Talent in the Creative Industry15:38 The Impact of Artistic Upbringing on Career Choices17:34 Ali Brown's Pivotal Career Moments and Creative Partnerships21:58 Key TakeawaysEpisode References:Ali Brown | LinkedInPRETTYBIRD | Website2025 Highlights | Government Cheese2025 Highlights | Levi's 'The Denim Cowboy' campaign starring Beyoncé2025 Highlights | NikeSKIMS 'Bodies at Work'2025 Highlights | American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson2025 Highlights | American Manhunt: Osama bin LadenRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rei Inamoto shares his reflections on age and relevance, drawing from his personal experiences.The Intersection is Rei’s free newsletter, exploring what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.Episode References:Aging and Relevance | ArticleRei Inamoto | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alternative career choices? Next travel destinations? Favorite food? We welcome back Oli Walsh for a fun round of lightning questions.Invisible Dynamics helps the world’s most ambitious Brands accelerate growth through harnessing creativity, culture, and commerce to drive revenue and relevance. Changing times require a new kind of support, and their programs, products, and platforms uniquely deliver the tools needed for impactful brand transformation.Episode References:Oli Walsh | LinkedInInvisible Dynamics | WebsiteInvisible Dynamics | Finalists at the 2025 Digiday AwardsInvisible Dynamics | Creativepool’s Small Agency of the YearInvisible Dynamics | Adweek’s Creative 100Invisible Dynamics | WWD: Meet Oli WalshInvisible Dynamics | Forbes: Why Gap’s ‘Better In Denim’ Ad Struck The Right ChordRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making small changes in decision-making can lead to significant life impacts. In this episode, Rei welcomes back Oli Walsh, the visionary CEO of Invisible Dynamics, to discuss how Oli’s professional methodologies and personal habits contribute to his success. Oli emphasizes the importance of cultural curiosity and staying connected with emerging cultural trends for brand evolution. He highlights the value of collaboration with his culturally diverse team across different continents. Additionally, he introduces the concept of “non-binary decision-making” as an effective strategy for gaining a competitive edge both personally and in business.Invisible Dynamics helps the world’s most ambitious Brands accelerate growth through harnessing creativity, culture, and commerce to drive revenue and relevance. Changing times require a new kind of support, and their programs, products, and platforms uniquely deliver the tools needed for impactful brand transformation.Timestamps:0:03 Cultural Curiosity and Daily Habits Fuel Creative Success4:17 The Power of Networking and Building Relationships8:39 Non Binary Decision Making for Health and Efficiency13:48 Building Systems and Networks for Personal and Professional Growth16:51 Key TakeawayEpisode References:Oli Walsh | LinkedInInvisible Dynamics | WebsiteInvisible Dynamics | Finalists at the 2025 Digiday AwardsInvisible Dynamics | Creativepool’s Small Agency of the YearInvisible Dynamics | Adweek’s Creative 100Invisible Dynamics | WWD: Meet Oli WalshInvisible Dynamics | Forbes: Why Gap’s ‘Better In Denim’ Ad Struck The Right ChordRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it mean for brands to participate in culture? In this episode, Rei sits down with Oli Walsh, the visionary CEO of Invisible Dynamics, to discuss cultural relevance in branding, and take us behind the scenes of the electrifying Gap campaign that became a global sensation. In defining cultural relevance, Rei and Oli discuss how brands can authentically integrate into the cultural fabric without becoming mere spectators. Discover how the campaign “Better in Denim,” starring the global girl group KATSEYE, catapulted Gap back into the cultural spotlight, generating over 400 million views.Invisible Dynamics helps the world's most ambitious Brands accelerate growth through harnessing creativity, culture, and commerce to drive revenue and relevance. Changing times require a new kind of support, and their programs, products, and platforms uniquely deliver the tools needed for impactful brand transformation.Timestamps:0:03 Behind the Scenes of Gap's Viral Betting Denim Campaign4:28 Cultural Relevance and Brand Participation in Modern Culture13:59 Gap's Brand Transformation Through Strategic Leadership and Collaborations29:52 Reviving Gap's Legacy Through Intentional Fashion Storytelling37:42 The Impact of a Positive Message in Global Campaigns43:50 Balancing Brand Identity with Humanistic and Competitive Enemies53:25 Key TakeawaysEpisode References:Oli Walsh | LinkedInInvisible Dynamics | WebsiteInvisible Dynamics | Finalists at the 2025 Digiday AwardsInvisible Dynamics | Creativepool’s Small Agency of the YearInvisible Dynamics | Adweek’s Creative 100Invisible Dynamics | WWD: Meet Oli WalshInvisible Dynamics | Forbes: Why Gap’s ‘Better In Denim’ Ad Struck The Right ChordRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alternative career choices? Next travel destinations? Favorite food? We welcome back Haruka Aoki for a fun round of lightning questions.Haruka Aoki is a queer Japanese poet-illustrator and hope bender. They write and illustrate a regular narrative art column in The New York Times. Their picture book about a square navigating a world of circles, "Fitting In," was published in 2022 by Sky Pony Press / Simon & Schuster. Haruka’s narrative artwork aims to inspire individuals with both wit and sincerity as their hand-drawn characters engage the world around them. Growing up often unsure of where “home” would be next, Haruka has befriended the abundant imagination found in nature and community, a constant starting point in their work. By foraging inspiration from ancestral and metaphysical realms to nurture their artistic practice, they hope to grow and provide an accessible space for collective healing. Haruka often feels deeply grateful to be an earthling.Episode References:Haruka Aoki | WebsiteHaruka Aoki | NewsletterHaruka Aoki | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From meditation to meal sharing, daily rituals and habits have the power to bring out the best in your talent. Rei welcomes back Haruka Aoki, a Japanese poet and illustrator, to discuss Haruka's unique creative processes, aspirations to expand into various mediums, and day-to-day specifics of how they make a living as an artist. Haruka’s artistic process combines writing and illustrating with deeper emotional connections and cultural expressions. Through detailed anecdotes and personal reflections, they share how a structured routine—consisting of activities like meditation, stretching, and maintaining a consistent work attire—fuels creativity and productivity.Haruka Aoki is a queer Japanese poet-illustrator and hope bender. They write and illustrate a regular narrative art column in The New York Times. Their picture book about a square navigating a world of circles, "Fitting In," was published in 2022 by Sky Pony Press / Simon & Schuster. Haruka’s narrative artwork aims to inspire individuals with both wit and sincerity as their hand-drawn characters engage the world around them. Growing up often unsure of where “home” would be next, Haruka has befriended the abundant imagination found in nature and community, a constant starting point in their work. By foraging inspiration from ancestral and metaphysical realms to nurture their artistic practice, they hope to grow and provide an accessible space for collective healing. Haruka often feels deeply grateful to be an earthling.Timestamps:0:03 Haruka Aoki's Artistic Journey and Future Aspirations8:08 The Joy of Sharing Life's Simple Pleasures Through Art9:40 Creating Art Through Rituals and Structured Work Habits14:23 Empowerment and Assurance in Career and Personal Growth17:04 Habits and Rituals That Enhance Artistic Creativity17:36 Key TakeawayEpisode References:Haruka Aoki | WebsiteHaruka Aoki | NewsletterHaruka Aoki | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re tired of conforming to "rules of society", it might be time to reconnect with your childhood dreams. Rei welcomes Haruka Aoki, a Japanese poet and illustrator, who made the bold transition from the corporate ladder to the vibrant world of art. Haruka details their journey from working as an art director in a healthcare company to becoming an acclaimed artist with works featured in publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post. The conversation highlights Haruka's tailored approach to pitching their unique, visually rich narrative stories, addressing cultural themes like AAPI heritage and the universal love of public libraries.Haruka Aoki is a queer Japanese poet-illustrator and hope bender. They write and illustrate a regular narrative art column in The New York Times. Their picture book about a square navigating a world of circles, "Fitting In," was published in 2022 by Sky Pony Press / Simon & Schuster. Haruka’s narrative artwork aims to inspire individuals with both wit and sincerity as their hand-drawn characters engage the world around them. Growing up often unsure of where “home” would be next, Haruka has befriended the abundant imagination found in nature and community, a constant starting point in their work. By foraging inspiration from ancestral and metaphysical realms to nurture their artistic practice, they hope to grow and provide an accessible space for collective healing. Haruka often feels deeply grateful to be an earthling.Timestamps:0:03 Finding Your Place in the World Through Creativity2:36 Haruka Aoki's Journey From Corporate Life to Artistic Freedom7:14 Haruka Aoki's Journey From Corporate to Narrative Artist14:43 An Ode to Public Libraries and Their Cultural Impact17:28 Embracing Their Artistic Career21:40 Rediscovering Inner Child Through Creative Freedom26:30 Becoming a Full-Time Artist27:58 Key TakeawayEpisode References:Haruka Aoki | WebsiteHaruka Aoki | NewsletterHaruka Aoki | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.