029: Jodi Miller Producer, Geometry Chicago

Jodi Miller has been in the industry since she was 19 years old. This breadth of experience has been serving her with Pharmaceutical contracts and now she uses her skills to produce shopper marketing.

In this episode, she shares actionable tips for photographers without reps, what to do with SAG projects and what the most important thing she teaches to her mentees.

Key Takeaways

[:31] Heather introduces Jodi Miller and invites her to explain what shopper marketing is and to touch on what her career path has been like.

[3:15] Jodi and Heather exchange on the importance of mentoring in this field.

[5:25] Jodi shares what the biggest thing is that she tries to teach in this business — and why everyone needs to fail at it to understand truly.

[9:25] When it comes to change, the most obvious one to Jodi has been the reduction of budgets coupled with bigger asks in smaller time frames. She also touches on how to handle clients who have too small budgets and too little timing.

[14:52] Jodi’s a little bit old school when it comes to getting to know new people, so mailers still get her attention but she insists that the most important aspect is that the work be applicable to her projects.

[16:42] Setting up a new vendor is pretty standard in agency settings, Jodi breaks down the steps. She also opens up the conversation about how she talks to her clients about billing.

[20:55] Heather talks about the particular situation she finds herself in with regards to working in California.

[23:02] Jodi gives her take on the advantages of working with reps and some tips for photographers who don’t have one: serve yourself better!

[26:49] Motion demands are increasing and Jodi’s a huge fan, even though it’s a lot of work. She shares what the variables are for deciding who will be chosen to do a shoot that includes a motion aspect.

[30:16] If you have a SAG project, get an amazing paymaster! What is a paymaster exactly?

[32:14] Most of Jodi’s productions are video so her clients tend to know what they’re looking and she does let them choose their own producers.

[34:50] Heather asks Jodi to talk about what her experience as a woman in this business has been. Jodi also offers her perception of gender issues in the industry.

[40:17] Jodi asks to hear Heather’s perspective as a rep when it comes to female photographers’ positioning in the business.

[43:20] What would Jodi do if she wasn’t a producer?

[45:01] Heather thanks Jodi for coming on the podcast, and invites listeners to tune in for the next episode.

Thanks for listening.

In an industry where the rules are always changing, it’s helpful to hear from those on the front line. Heather Elder is the visionary behind NotesFromARep’sJournal.com; visit her website for industry updates, stunning photography and video, and the artists behind the work.

Mentioned in this episode

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More about today’s guest

Jodi Miller on LinkedIn