Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

Job Title: Project Manager

Company: Leff Communications

Location: Hybrid in Chicago – onsite one day a week

Since its founding in 2010, Leff has helped businesses and organizations around the world conceive, develop, design, and market content that captures and holds the attention of their target audience.

Our clients range from start-ups and large corporations to government agencies, nonprofits, and universities.

Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will help manage and cultivate client relationships, acting as a liaison between clients and internal teams while directly managing their projects. The Project Manager will work across all Leff’s service lines—editorial, design, social, web, and strategy—to ensure that together we meet client needs and think creatively about how to solve their challenges. The Project Manager will tap a variety of skills as they collaborate with stakeholders and drive a high volume of overlapping projects from intake through delivery. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment; has great organizational skills and keen attention to detail; thinks proactively; and communicates clearly. The Project Manager should be an expert in marketing and/or agency project management and related systems and be a single source of information for their assignments at any point in their lifecycle.

Key responsibilities and tasks:

• Partner with key clients and internal colleagues, including the following tasks: collaborating on strategy and planning, preparing status reports, proactively communicating, leading purposeful and organized meetings followed by clear and concise contact reports, end to end resourcing, problem solving, and project delivery
• Be a strong leader in a cross-functional team, driving initiatives in collaboration with all internal departments and external stakeholders
• Effective and strategic project management of a high volume of overlapping projects, including building and maintaining timelines, estimating, kickoffs, job entry and updates, reporting, and performing quality assurance on deliverables
• Coordinate resources to ensure projects are done on time, on budget, and with unparalleled levels of quality
• Ensure projects adhere to process and all documentation is properly maintained
• Utilize and drive continuous improvement and best practices of process, workflow software and other systems used to manage projects, assets, resources, and reporting
• Provide lateral support to team members during periods of high volume and lead by example with a positive and goal-oriented approach

REQUIREMENTS:

• Two or more years of experience in project management, client service, or marketing roles in an agency or professional services environment
• Expertise in client service and a commitment to the success of high-volume small client projects, goals, and relationships
• A deep interest in the content production process for various formats and channels, including editorial, design, and video projects
• A professional demeanor and general level of comfort being proactive and dealing with demanding, sometimes ambiguous projects
• Strong analytical skills and comfort dealing with data
• Crazy attention to detail
• The ability to meet deadlines and balance multiple projects without sacrificing quality
• Curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for working in a start-up, team-oriented environment
• Humility—our main goal is to serve our clients and make them look good
• Some travel may be required – 10%

Leff

Initiative is different to other media agencies.

Initiative unlocks business growth for the world’s most ambitious brands. We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame & Flow for brands like Nike, Amazon, Merck, LEGO, and T-Mobile.

Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 6,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.

Position Summary

As an Associate Strategy Director, you collaborate with the Director and Head of Strategy on the creation of the strategic direction a brand will take in communications to achieve their business goals. You are responsible for helping to strategize, produce and make sense of the key cultural, consumer and market intelligence required to design the best possible holistic communications frameworks to deliver on that task. Your work should be held up as best practice both within the agency and externally – recognized by winning awards and client scores.

You have a passion for people, brands and ideas and an insatiable curiosity for culture in every sense. You believe that brands can & should mean something in the world and are driven by the desire to understand the changing world and people’s shifting motivations and behaviors.

You are responsible for co-creating strategic campaign recommendations, insightful consumer profiles and innovative media ideas that connect the creative idea to the audience. It is not your responsibility to manage the client relationship, as you will report to the Client Lead to deliver brilliant strategic thinking for the client team. Creative thinking, sound presentation skills & leadership behaviors are critical to success in this role.

You should produce work that drives re-appraisal of the role of communications and what media can do in the world.

You are responsible for ensuring that the Strategy team’s work is strong and sound, and that it has considered all consumer, category and culture trends. You will help them to think about new ways to respond to a brief and encourage them to work – with you – alongside the Analytics, Communications Design and Client teams to deliver better, smarter and more innovative work.

Key Responsibilities

Client

• Assists Director in managing client relationships, particularly serving as a point of contact amongst key client contacts across their Insights teams, Media Managers, and Brand Managers.
• Being considered a valuable contributor during client meetings with the ability to challenge others’ opinions, and the brief when necessary, in the right way
• Can serve as a point of decision for Strategists in lieu of Director being available for lower-hanging asks
• Delivering innovative thinking that inspires leading edge solutions and award-winning, breakthrough connections / media ideas
• Arming the client team with knowledge & expertise to speak confidently about the strategic direction where required

Internal

• Can independently lead internal calls, brainstorms, and walkthroughs.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of consumers & their behaviors, using syndicated and proprietary data for profiling and insights (MRI, Simmons, eTelmar, Netbase, etc) – proficiency with quant and qual data is important to unlocking insight and identifying opportunities.
• Clearly demonstrate how the strategy delivers on the business need and focus on results and measurement
• Engaging communication style, demonstrating a talent for storytelling, and for translating complex concepts into a simple, powerful narrative, as seen by client engagement during their presentations.
• Supports development of media strategies by translating relevant audience inputs to key pillars across phasing that serve as the cornerstones to build the strategy
• Write cohesive communications architectures that deliver on the platform and give guidance to internal teams for how it translates into actionable ideas that guide channel, partner, and tactical choices
• Train, guide & assist the Strategy & Client teams in development, packaging, and selling of ideas
• Positively collaborate with special business units (search, social, analytics teams) and independent creative partners, contributing to their/our client work
• Use qualitative and quantitative communications channel & cultural tool research to develop applicable insights into the consumer connection with the brand
• Contribute to ideation sessions in conjunction with the Communications Design (media planning) team to generate creative & compelling communications ideas

Desired Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience
• 6+ years in integrated planning role in media, creative, innovation or communications discipline (digital, media or comms planning at an agency or in-house marketing team)
• Ability to think differently: creative & adaptive, entrepreneurial, independently-minded; deeply immersed in cultural understanding and driven by a desire to know more the world / to better understand people’s motivations & behaviors in the shifting landscape

We See You

We embrace diversity, and our responsibility to maintain an inclusive environment is core to our culture and values. We see diversity of people and experiences as fuel for creativity and innovation needed to bring about the best experiences and services. A diverse workforce means we can grow together, be better problem solvers, and bring about long-term, meaningful change where we will achieve above and beyond our business goals. We are better together..

When you join Mediabrands, you join a global community and are valued for who you are – your lived experiences, the contributions you make, and the distinct perspectives you bring. Here, what you think and who you are is just as important as what you do. As we recruit, we are dedicated to looking beyond what a resume can show. If you think you’d be a great addition to the team but don’t have the exact experience or skills, we encourage you to apply and share your unique background with us. We see you at Mediabrands.

Wage and Benefits

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. To give you the ability to better meet your personal needs, and in support of your physical and emotional well-being, you will receive discretionary time off days and company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days.

We also offer a competitive Total Compensation package, including a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award.

The salary range for this position is posted below. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee’s/applicant’s skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.

Employment Transparency

It is the policy of Mediabrands, division of the Interpublic group, to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email [email protected].

About Mediabrands

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Reprise, Magna, Orion, Rapport, Healix,

Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. For more information, please visit our website: www.ipgmediabrands.com.

Initiative

Job Title: Associate Creative Director

Location: Cupertino, CA 95014 / Culver City, CA 90232 / Austin, TX 78727 / New York, NY – 10011

Duration: 12 Months Contract

PR: $148.69/Hr. on w2 for CUPERTINO, $137.73/hr. on w2 for CULVER CITY, $120.57/hr. on w2 for AUSTIN, $150.80/hr. on w2 for NEW YORK

Job Description:

Notes: Fully Remote, but the candidate must be based in one of the mentioned locations

Job Summary:

• The client is looking for an Associate Creative Director contractor to support the work of our Retail Engagement + Marketing team. In this role, you’ll be focused on shaping and leading ideas through the creative and execution process from concept to completion. You’ll work on a range of deliverables across multiple marketing, experience, and communication platforms while collaborating with and empowering a talented creative team around you to develop compelling content that aligns with campaign roadmaps and overall priorities.

Key Qualifications:

• You’re an experienced leader who has created extraordinary content work in advertising, social media, conceptual campaigns, product launches, branding, and communications.
• You have a passion for inspiring others through your craft which you continuously develop.
• You’re savvy working across a matrix of stakeholders and you excel in ways that are thoughtful, significant, inspiring, and provocative.
• You love to tell stories, evoke emotion, and communicate through your craft, and are always finding ways to connect with your audience.
• Fluency in all aspects of modern digital workflows.
• 10+ years of relevant creative agency experience.
• You are a positive force that elevates the work of the people around you.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects at one time.
• Your responsibilities will include some travel. It’s one of the most exciting aspects of the job.
• Able to provide clear and timely direction and effective feedback across all mediums of video.
• You have a solid working knowledge of both static and animated CG workflows.
• A portfolio or sample reel is required.

Description:

• Write treatments, creative briefs, and develop ideas into pitches. Champion excellent creativity and align partners with a vision. Inspire your teammates and colleagues to do amazing work Collaborate across the entire Client organization to design solutions for high-profile projects. Identify, brief, and creatively direct external partners across simultaneous projects. Review work regularly with senior staff to get feedback on direction and alignment. Deliver consistent quality within production timelines and schedules.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

About ASK: ASK Consulting is an award-winning technology and professional services recruiting firm servicing Fortune 500 organizations nationally. With 5 nationwide offices, two global delivery centers, and employees in 42 states-ASK Consulting connects people with amazing opportunities

ASK Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.

ASK Consulting

job Title: Writer / Director / Producer

Location: Santa Clara, CA 95050

Duration: 03 Months Contract

PR: $102.99/Hr on w2

Job Description:

Summary:

• Client’s Retail Engagement and Marketing group is looking for an exceptional Writer / Director / Producer to join a small but creatively ambitious Social team focused on sourcing, pitching and producing timely features and human stories within Client for our 75,000+ person global retail fleet.
• Qualified candidates should have a background in creating video for a legacy publication, new media company, or YouTube channel with a large following. If you thrive in the relative autonomy inherent to working on a nimble team inside a large organization, can take initiative without direction and love telling stories, this could be a good fit for you.

Description:

• The Writer / Director / Producer will work closely with the Content Lead, the Shooter/Editor, and REM’s Creative and Strategic Leadership and other internal partners to create compelling stories for our internal network. The ideal candidate has experience writing, directing and producing high quality, fast turnaround social films.
• This role will be responsible for concepting, pitching and selling stories to leadership, planning and executing shoots, directing talent, and shepherding content from planning through final leadership and BA reviews, localization, and final delivery.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage and execute productions from start to finish.
• Write scripts and social posts, and concept and pitch stories to Retail Leadership Team.
• Provide creative direction, feedback, and support to Editor during Post Production.
• Work alongside team to concept, develop, and test ideas for new turnkey series formats
• Work with Strategy, Localization, and Publishing leads to create pipelines for Loop.
• Help set and withhold standards for un-scripted storytelling and learning material in Retail.

Key Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience creating and editing video for digital/web/social, preferably for a legacy publication or new media company
• Creatively flexible, even in the face of less-than-perfect footage and limited partner assets
• Experience writing, directing, and producing high-quality docu-style films.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Communication or Media Arts or Radio/TV/Film Production a plus.

About ASK: ASK Consulting is an award-winning technology and professional services recruiting firm servicing Fortune 500 organizations nationally. With 5 nationwide offices, two global delivery centers, and employees in 42 states-ASK Consulting connects people with amazing opportunities

ASK Consulting is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.

ASK Consulting

 Casting Call: Equestrian Riders for Commercial Shoot

Location: New York, CT, NJ, Philly, and Surrounding Areas

Job Type: Temporary, Commercial Shoot

Job Details: We seek college-aged female equestrians with exceptional riding skills for an upcoming commercial shoot in New York. This is a fantastic opportunity for skilled riders to showcase their talents on a professional platform. The commercial will feature equestrian scenes highlighting the grace, beauty, and connection between riders and their horses.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform various equestrian riding sequences as directed by the director and choreographer.
• Collaborate with the production team to bring the vision of the commercial to life.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and dedication throughout the shoot.
• Work with the horse trainers and other riders to ensure the safety and smooth execution of scenes.

Requirements:

• Must be a female equestrian with a college-aged appearance (18-25 years old).
• Demonstrated exceptional riding skills and comfort with various riding styles (English, Western, etc.).
• Ability to handle and control horses confidently and skillfully.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to follow directions accurately.
• Availability to attend the shoot on the designated dates (9/8 & 9/9).

Compensation:

• Payment will be provided based on industry standards and experience.
• Meals, refreshments, and transportation (if applicable) will be provided during the shoot.
• Opportunity for exposure and potential networking within the entertainment industry.

Casting Call: Caribbean Grandmothers for Editorial Project in London

Job Details: We seek vibrant Caribbean grandmothers to participate in an exciting editorial project for a renowned streetwear brand in London. This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic individuals who exude personality and style. The project aims to celebrate the beauty of age and culture, highlighting Caribbean grandmothers’ unique perspectives and stories.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in a creative and fun photoshoot capturing your authentic self and personal style.
• Engage with the team positively and collaboratively to bring your character and energy to the project.
• Showcase your cultural heritage through your wardrobe, accessories, and personal flair.
• Contribute to the overall vision of the editorial project, embodying the brand’s ethos.

Requirements:

• Female individuals aged 75 years or above.
• Must have Caribbean heritage and be able to showcase cultural influences through clothing and style.
• Reside in London or be within a reasonable commuting distance for the shoot.
• Available for the photoshoot on either September 2nd or 3rd.
• No prior modeling experience is required; authenticity and personality are key.

Compensation:

• Payment will be provided for your participation in the project.
• Details of compensation will be discussed during the casting process.

Casting Call: Women’s Active Wear Commercial Shoot

Job Details: We are seeking vibrant and energetic women, clothing size 18-20, with exceptional skills in running, dance, yoga, or training for an upcoming commercial shoot in London. This exciting project aims to showcase the inclusivity, diversity, and active lifestyle that our brand promotes. If you are confident, passionate, and enthusiastic about movement and fitness, we want you to participate in this dynamic production.

Job Responsibilities:

• Showcase your skills and passion for running, dance, yoga, or training in a visually compelling and authentic manner.
• Collaborate with the production team to bring your unique abilities to life on screen.
• Follow the director’s instructions while infusing your style and energy into the performances.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude on set, contributing to a collaborative and enjoyable working environment.

Requirements:

• Gender: Female
• Clothing Size: 18-20
• Age: 21-45
• Must have proficient skills in at least one of the following areas: running, dance, yoga, or training.
• Physically fit and comfortable with active movements on camera.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Availability for the shooting dates in London (specific dates to be provided upon selection).

Compensation: Selected participants will receive a competitive compensation package, including:

• Day rate for the shooting days.
• Travel allowance if applicable.
• Meals and refreshments provided on set.
• Exposure and the opportunity to participate in a high-profile commercial campaign.
• A fun and collaborative experience in the entertainment industry.

Casting Call: Male Performers for Commercial Shoot in London

Job Details: We are seeking talented and energetic men with a clothing size XL to participate in an upcoming commercial shoot in London. If you possess skills in running, dance, yoga, or training, this is an exciting opportunity to showcase your abilities on a dynamic project. The commercial will be centered around promoting a fitness and activewear brand, capturing the essence of movement, athleticism, and style.

Job Responsibilities:

• Execute various physical activities such as running, dance routines, yoga poses, or training exercises according to the script and director’s vision.
• Convey a strong sense of confidence, athleticism, and style while wearing the provided activewear.
• Collaborate effectively with the production team, director, and fellow performers to ensure smooth coordination and execution of scenes.
• Follow instructions from the director and choreographer while infusing your unique skills and personality into your performance.

Requirements:

• Male individuals with a clothing size XL (extra-large).
• Proficiency in one or more of the following areas: running, dance, yoga, or training. Please specify your primary skill in your application.
• Strong physical fitness, coordination, and flexibility to execute movements and poses effectively.
• A confident and expressive demeanor in front of the camera.
• Availability to attend rehearsals and the shoot in London on the specified dates.

Compensation: Selected performers will receive competitive compensation for their participation in the commercial shoot. The exact compensation details will be discussed individually with the chosen candidates.

Casting Call: Los Angeles Shoot for Global Athletic Brand

Job Details: We are excited to announce a paid casting call for an upcoming shoot in Los Angeles for a renowned global athletic brand. We are seeking talented individuals to bring their unique energy and skills to our campaign. If you’re a basketball player, a female basketball player who wears a Hijab, a female dancer, or an Asian model aged 18-25, we want to hear from you!

Job Responsibilities: As a selected model for this campaign, you will be an essential part of showcasing our athletic brand’s products and embodying our message of strength, style, and confidence. Your role will involve working with a professional team to create captivating visuals that resonate with our diverse global audience. Whether you’re showcasing your basketball skills, dancing with passion, or striking poses as an Asian model, your presence will contribute to the success of this exciting project.

Requirements:

Basketball Players:

• Ages 18-25
• Male or male-presenting individuals of all ethnicities and body types
• Proficient basketball skills
• Cool and interesting look
• Strong sense of style
• Confidence in front of the camera

Female Basketball Players Who Wear a Hijab:

• Ages 18-25
• Proficient basketball skills
• Regularly wear a hijab in everyday life
• Strong sense of style
• Confidence in front of the camera

Female Dancers:

• Ages 18-25
• Female or female-identifying individuals
• Proficient dancers
• Interesting looks
• Strong sense of style
• Confidence in front of the camera

Asian Models:

• Ages 18-25
• All genders and body types
• From China, Japan, or Korea
• Cool and interesting look
• Street-cast vibe
• Striking features
• Strong sense of style

Compensation: Selected models will be compensated generously for their participation in this campaign. Compensation details will be discussed during the selection process.

Casting Call: Exciting Day Trip Photoshoot Opportunity

Job Details: We are excited to announce a unique casting call for a personal project with a dynamic photographer renowned for capturing authentic moments and vibrant emotions. We seek diverse groups of friends, family members, or couples to embark on an unforgettable day trip just outside Los Angeles.

Job Responsibilities: Selected participants will participate in a vibrant and candid photoshoot experience, showcasing the beauty of friendship, family bonds, and romantic connections in a picturesque outdoor setting. Your role will involve engaging in various activities, conversations, and interactions while the photographer expertly captures the moment’s magic.

Requirements:

• Groups of friends (2-4 individuals), family members (3-5 individuals), or couples (2 individuals) are welcome to apply.
• All genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds are encouraged to participate.
• Must be available for one or two days between 8/15 – 8/20 (exact date to be confirmed).

Compensation:

• Each participant will receive a competitive compensation package of $150 for their involvement in the photo shoot.
• Transportation to and from the day trip location will be provided.
• Refreshments and meals will be catered throughout the day.
• Participants will receive high-quality edited photographs from the day as cherished keepsakes.