What Is Creativity?
SCENARIO: In support of the #CreativeCapitalOfCanada, a movement made up of a group of people, companies, and organizations that set out to celebrate what led to Waterloo Region's success, we felt it was important to highlight a handful of local advocates from Waterloo Region that express their creativity in different ways.
TASK: Produce a five part series that touched on five individuals and how they paved their way through the Creative Capital of Canada and the ways in which they channel their creative thinking.
Agency: Him & Her
Industry: Municipial
Personal Responsibilities: Video Production Management, Co-Writing, Strategy, Social Media Management, Partnership Management
Partners: Ajoah Mintah, Brenda Halloran, Eric Bolton, Kendra Ross, and Nick Benninger
Video Production: Oak & Rumble
Additional Credits: Dave Hiff, Brandon Hardy, Kendra Ross, Erin Martin, Kevin Nunn, Justin Frenette, Andrew McNamara, Brie Pointer
APPROACH
UNIQUE DEFINITIONS
From a chemist turned ice cream maker, musician & teacher, member of local government, project manager/producer, and to a chef/restaurateur, we wanted to make sure we represented a wide range of creative individuals and public figures within Waterloo Region while asking them “What Is Creativity?”. As our participants walked us down memory lane by chatting through old photos, they shared insight into what made them who they are today.
Set wise, we could have used any living room, but we decided to build one while making sure the questions were as simple as the environment itself. Our goal was to create the most comfortable space to share stories in the most candid fashion. Courtesy of HIP Developments, we shot these 5 unique stories at the Grand Innovations co-working space located in Downtown Cambridge.
OUTCOME
5 unique STORIES
Ajoa Mintah
Ajoa Mintah is the Founder of Four All Ice Cream. Her story began during a heatwave when instead of an air-conditioner she bought an ice cream machine. Uniquely, the combination of her SR&ED, Manufacturing, Engineering & Product Development background and a name inspired by her family-of-four's ice cream preferences, she was one creative we couldn’t forget.
Eric Bolton
Eric is a Cambridge based musician, performer, local activist, owner of E-bolt Music, and member of Shy Harry. For over 10 years, Eric has now seen his creative efforts lead to a studio with a team of 14 instructors, recording studio, booking agency, and performance schedule that averages 200 shows per year. Through that same drive, Eric touches on how his inadvertent pursuit has allowed him to channel his inner creativity.
Nick Benninger
Nick found his calling to become a Chef at the age of 16. Now as the owner of the Fat Sparrow Group, his restaurants have earned him spots on ‘Where to Eat Canada’, ‘You Gotta Eat Here!‘, and with cameos on The Food Network.
To fuel his creativity. Nick joined forces with local filmmaker, Taylor Jackson creating an independent food show called Nick and Taylor Make A Food Show! As an early adopter and leader in the local food scene, Nick brings us through what sparked his creative culinary skills.
Brenda Halloran
Brenda walks us through the loss of her house after ending an abusive relationship, and working three jobs to make ends meet as a single mother. She continued to demonstrate her resilience while serving as the Mayor of the City of Waterloo from 2006 – 2014.
Brenda led the City of Waterloo through one of the most creative periods in its history, as the area earned the most ‘Intelligent Community Award’ in 2007 and ‘IBM’s Smarter City Challenge’ in 2012.
Kendra Ross
Growing up, Kendra learned two important things. First, clarify your point before someone defines it for you. And second, nothing’s more persuasive than a story.
Now as the VP of Marketing at Oak & Rumble, Kendra works on video marketing strategy for everyone from local tech startups, to Canada’s best loved national brands. Join her as she shares the importance of creativity in her day-to-day.