Where Are They Now: From Producer to Social Strategist

APRIL, 2018

Interviewed by Katherine Pendrill

While most video producers are content with making other people’s ideas a reality, Gioia van de Fliert is not one of them. Despite her rewarding career at a creative content company in Amsterdam, Gioia decided to step out from behind the camera and come to Miami Ad School Toronto to join last year’s Social Media Bootcamp. Two big moves and one job change later, we caught up with Gioia to find out what she’s been up to.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to Miami Ad School.

I’m a 26-year-old Creative Video Producer who makes social content for many different brands at an agency in Amsterdam. While working at my previous job I felt like I wanted to increase my knowledge about strategy, and it wasn’t going to happen at the office. I started researching masterclasses and found out that Miami Ad School had great bootcamps that would help me build my portfolio and resume. That was when I decided to quit my job and go across the sea to learn how to become a social strategist!

Why did you choose the Social Media Strategy Bootcamp?

I chose the Social Media Strategy Bootcamp because I felt like I was missing a big part of the concept thinking. I usually just make other people’s vision a reality with my organizational skills, but I really wanted to think more about the process that comes before that. The Social Media Bootcamp provided me with knowledge about strategic thinking — not just what the brand wants, but what their customers want. A creative idea can be great, but it’s all about the strategy behind it.

What was your favourite part of the experience?

Having classmates of so many different nationalities gave me a feeling I wasn’t just learning from the teachers and social strategists in Canada, but I was also learning about how the industry works in different countries and cultures.

How has your training impacted your career?

Before Miami Ad School I was a Producer and now I am working on projects as a Creative as well. The strategic thinking really brings my ideas to another level. That means I am also valuable to the process before the organization of a shoot and I am able to add important social strategy input.

“A creative idea can be
great, but it’s all about the strategy behind it.”

What’s the most memorable professional project you’ve worked on?

I think the most memorable project would be a Christmas special for Coca-Cola. We made 14 videos with musicians who made personal and musical messages for people who sent in their Christmas wishes for their loved ones, friends, or family. Though the video is in Dutch, it is still very fun to watch.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I love to listen to podcasts, watch documentaries. and go out with friends. I even love debating during drinks, because sometimes the best ideas come from enjoying a good Saturday wine.

Favourite social media platform: Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter?

My favorite platform is definitely Instagram. I feel like Facebook is becoming too much of a meme-platform, and even though Twitter is proving more and more visual options, the platform was built for copy. Instagram is all about selling visually, with great photography, and video options that provide so many different possibilities.

Do you have any words of wisdom for someone interested in social media strategy?

I would just say, go for it! It will help you in so many ways, I feel like there is not a single profession where you can’t use it.

To experience the Social Media Bootcamp for yourself, apply today for our 2019 session. Applications are due July 1st, 2019 and classes start Sept 3rd, 2019.

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