Accomplished Executive Director in the entertainment industry recognized for leveraging strong team leadership and development to drive forward progress in marketing and events. Ability to combine creativity with logistics. Success implementing systems across multiple operational teams. Highly organized, dedicated and diplomatic.
Hi, I’m
Gillian Burz
New York,NY
Summary
Overview
11
years of professional experience
Skills
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
- Project Management (Asana, MS Project)
- Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Forms, etc)
- Contract Negotiation
- Strategic Event Planning
- Hospitality Services
- Concur
- Client services
- SAP Applications
- Public Relations
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Lead over 120 independent theatrical release and award campaigns, resulting in 34 Academy Award nominations and 10 Academy Award wins. Titles include: Whiplash, Call Me By Your Name, Elle, Never Look Away, The Father, etc.
Chosen for Sony Pictures Leadership pilot program, spotlighting individuals who show extreme promise in team management. One of 30 people selected out of 500.
Work History
Comic Con International
Event Manager (Front of House)
07.2024 - 07.2024
Job overview
- Over saw room schedule, programming team and audience flow for multiple panel discussions in over 500 person room.
- Greeting guests professionally, escorting ADA guests to designated spots and keeping everyone safe with fire code laws.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events. (i.e. surprise gift give-aways).
- Trained and supervised event volunteers to complete tasks safely.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
Sony Pictures Classics
Executive Director of National Advertising & Publicity
09.2017 - 03.2024
Job overview
- Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational workflow efficiencies.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership, C-suite executives and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
- Supervise over 30 teams in both national and regional markets on multiple promotional campaigns (events, screenings, advertisements) at various stages of release.
- Lead meetings and brainstorming calls for ideas, audience awareness, implementation campaign initiatives and confirm wire features/reviews.
- Hire, train and manage department staff
- Maintaining positive relationships with producers, talent, vendors, press members (print, online, radio, TV), agents, managers, advertisers, venues, and community outreach groups.
Sony Pictures Classics
Sales Coordinator
07.2016 - 09.2017
Job overview
- Pitched and booked films at mainstream and independent theaters.
- Booked DCPs and schedule delivery of film to film festivals, special events and release markets.
- Coordinated delivery of assets to contracted parties.
- Lead QC issues, collaboration with tech team for timely problem solving.
- Engaged with film buyers to effectively build rapport and lasting relationships.
- Contributed to total combined box office of $21.6 million of 2016.
Sony Pictures Classics
Advertising & Publicity Assistant
06.2014 - 07.2016
Job overview
- Plan, book, organize travel (flights, hotels, cars, grooming) for talent on each project for release, film festivals, awards.
- Studied objectives, promotional policies or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies influencing public opinion or promoting ideas.
- Negotiate venue, junket and grooming rates.
- Seamlessly traveled 52 guests to 2014 Academy Awards, without complaint.
- Manage all department invoices, coding and vendor payments.
Sony Pictures Classics
Post Production Trainee
03.2014 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Built workflow matrix in FileMaker Pro to organize over 370 films - contracts, audio, and visual material assets.
- Project had been in process for 3 years, Completed and digitized within 3 months with the system implemented.
- Organized work to meet demanding production goals.
C-Port Productions
Producer
11.2013 - 03.2014
Job overview
- Developed schedules for production and editing for timely delivery.
- Planned video shoots in studio and remotely by managing production through stages to completion.
- Maintained project costs through careful budgeting and monitoring of expenditures.
- Liaised with directors, actors and other creative staff to successfully complete projects.
Education
Savannah College of Art & DesignSavannah, GA
B.F.A from Illustration
08.2012
University Overview
Timeline
Event Manager (Front of House)
Comic Con International
07.2024 - 07.2024
Executive Director of National Advertising & Publicity
Sony Pictures Classics
09.2017 - 03.2024
Sales Coordinator
Sony Pictures Classics
07.2016 - 09.2017
Advertising & Publicity Assistant
Sony Pictures Classics
06.2014 - 07.2016
Post Production Trainee
Sony Pictures Classics
03.2014 - 06.2014
Producer
C-Port Productions
11.2013 - 03.2014
Savannah College of Art & Design
B.F.A from Illustration
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