Creative Producer

Job Purpose

The Creative Producer is responsible for discovering, developing, and producing compelling visual stories that showcase South Carolina and its people, companies, cultures, communities, and competitive advantages.

Job Responsibilities

• Discover Stories
• Seek out meaningful stories across South Carolina's industries, communities, culture, workforce, and economic development ecosystem.
• Build relationships with internal teams, business leaders, local communities, and partner organizations to uncover authentic opportunities for storytelling.
• Recognize compelling narratives others may overlook and proactively recommend new creative opportunities.
• Research subjects, identify themes, and develop interview strategies that reveal authentic human experiences.
• Lead Creative Development
• Translate strategic marketing and communications objectives into compelling creative concepts.
• Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to shape messaging, define creative direction, and ensure projects support agency priorities.
• Develop concepts, scripts, interview frameworks, shot lists, production schedules, and creative approaches for projects ranging from social media content to documentary-style films.
• Contribute fresh ideas that strengthen campaigns and elevate the Department's visual storytelling.
• Produce Exceptional Visual Content
• Plan and execute professional video and photography productions throughout South Carolina and occasionally beyond.
• Conduct interviews that make people feel comfortable while drawing out authentic, emotionally engaging conversations.
• Capture cinematic footage and professional photography using advanced camera, lighting, and audio techniques.
• Direct executives, employees, elected officials, and community members during interviews and on-camera appearances.
• Adapt quickly to changing production environments while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Craft Stories in Post-Production
• Edit compelling long-form and short-form videos that communicate complex ideas through clear, engaging storytelling.
• Select music, pacing, graphics, color, and sound design to enhance emotional impact.
• Produce content optimized for multiple platforms, including presentations, websites, social media, paid campaigns, and executive communications.
• Ensure every project meets high creative standards while maintaining consistency with the Commerce brand.
• Collaborate Across the Agency
• Partner closely with marketing, communications, economic development teams, executive leadership, and external agencies.
• Present creative concepts, receive feedback thoughtfully, and refine work through collaboration.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while balancing priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations.
• Represent the Department professionally during productions and build lasting relationships with business and community partners.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• Enjoy learning about others and asking thoughtful questions.
• Confident enough to lead a production but humble enough to listen before picking up a camera.
• Combine artistic talent with strategic thinking.
• Understand that beautiful visuals matter, but meaningful stories matter more.
• Thrive on collaboration, embrace constructive feedback, and take ownership of projects from concept through completion.
• Know how to help people tell stories they didn't realize they had.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in film production, journalism, communications, marketing, media production, photography, or a related field, with relevant professional experience.
• Professional experience producing high-quality video and photography projects from concept through final delivery.
• Demonstrated experience interviewing subjects and creating story-driven content.
• Experience managing multiple creative projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel throughout South Carolina for productions.
• Knowledge of social media storytelling and digital-first content strategies.
• Understanding of FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (or ability to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience producing documentary, branded documentary, broadcast, or commercial content.
• Professional portfolio demonstrating exceptional visual storytelling.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom, and Illustrator.
• Experience operating professional cinema cameras, drones, lighting, and audio equipment.
• Experience working with executive leaders or public-facing organizations.

The Ideal Candidate

• The ideal candidate is equal parts filmmaker, journalist, producer, photographer, editor, strategist, and collaborator.
• They possess outstanding creative instincts but are equally driven by curiosity about people.
• They can comfortably walk into a manufacturing facility, a corporate boardroom, a rural community, or an international business and quickly build the trust needed to capture authentic stories.
• They understand that the camera is only a tool. Their greatest strength is helping people feel seen, heard, and comfortable enough to share experiences that connect with audiences.
• They don't simply create content. They create work that makes people feel something.