Production Management

WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
Pamela Gross, Senior Manager, ANA

I. TARGET’S INCLUSIVE PRODUCTION INITIATIVES (11:10 - 11:45AM)
At Target, diversity & inclusion are key to our business strategy. To remain relevant with the products, services, experiences and messages our guests expect, we must have their perspectives represented in our team and work. We fully recognize and acknowledge the inequities that exist in our industry and at Target, as well as the frustration around lack of action and tangible progress. In this session, Kristin Schaack, Sr. Manager, Creative Producer, will share the efforts Target Creative Production is taking to increase representation and foster a more inclusive production experience for all.

Speaker:
Kristin Schaack, Sr. Manager, Creative Producer - Target

II. THE AICP'S COMMITMENT TO CHANGE (11:50AM – 12:25PM)
18 months ago, the National Board of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) took a hard look at itself and the world around us and made a commitment. As an organization of over 400 Commercial Production and Post Production companies, they decided to wholeheartedly devote time and resources into changing the face of the commercial industry. Through the work of this 40+ member Equity and Inclusion Committee, the AICP began to address systemic barriers, access, and resources needed to make lasting changes. In this session, Tabitha Mason-Elliott, Head of Production at Bark Bark and Chair of the AICP's national Equity and Inclusion Committee, will walk us through these initiatives and how you can help from wherever you stand in your own DE&I journey.

Speaker:
Tabitha Mason-Elliott, Head of Production, Partner - Bark Bark

III. GETTING REPRESENTATION RIGHT (12:30 - 1:05PM)
Now more than ever, brands must ensure that the creative work put out into the marketplace is representative, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. More and more frequently, they are creating and turning to employee-led creative review boards to make sure they get it right. In this session, Carol Vella, associate director, marketing ops, DE&I at Walmart will share their journey and best practices.

Speaker:
Carol Vella, Associate Director, Marketing Ops, DE&I - Walmart

Speaker Bios

Kristin Schaack
Sr Manager, Creative Producer
Target

Kristin Schaack is a Sr. Manager, Creative Producer at Target Corporation, producing content for 15 years. She currently manages a team of producers creating TV, radio, digital, social, and packaging photography. At Target, Kristin is part of Behind-the-Camera, a group of producers committed to developing actions and implementing change to create a more inclusive and represented production experience. She is also a co-chair on the ANA Production Management Committee, engaging in a unique opportunity to fuel her passion for production through discussions and learning from her peers.

When she’s not producing content for the Bullseye, she and her husband direct independent films that have screened at 300+ international film festivals and have received numerous audience choice and jury awards – including the Fun is Good Bill Murray Comedic Shorts Award, chosen by Bill Murray.

Tabitha Mason-Elliott
Head of Production, Partner
Bark Bark

Tabitha Mason-Elliott is an award-winning producer and a partner at Bark Bark, a full service creative and production company in Atlanta, GA. For the past 7 years she has served as the Head of Production, overseeing content on hundreds of projects for a full spectrum of clients across agencies, networks and brands. Tabitha’s work has garnered numerous awards including Cannes Lions, Clio Entertainment, Telly's, Promax and Addy's. Additionally, Tabitha is the President of the Southeast Chapter of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and sits on the National Executive Board. She currently chairs the AICP's national Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Carol Vella
Associate Director, Marketing - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Walmart

Carol Vella is the Associate Director, Marketing – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Walmart. At Walmart, she leads DEI strategy related to external marketing communications and internal best practices for the marketing department, such as recruiting and training. Carol also serves as the Executive Co-Chair of the Northwest Arkansas Network of Executive Women Chapter, boasting 1400+ members and a 100+ volunteer leadership team. She proudly serves as a founding member of the City of Bentonville Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce and on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Federation of Arkansas.

Carol has spent the last 10 years in Bentonville, AR, since completing her M.B.A., working in marketing, product development and sales. Carol’s passion for DEI is shared by her husband and two daughters, 6 and 8. She holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from New York University, an M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, a Food Industry Executive Certificate from USC and a Certificate of DEI from Cornell University. In her free time, Carol enjoys all forms of exercise, from coaching her daughter’s soccer to team to tennis to biking.