Steve Curran
Rushville,NY
Summary
Visionary Entrepreneur and Creative Technologist with extensive experience in branded entertainment, gaming, and immersive media. Led the development of innovative platforms, fostered collaboration with clients and agencies, and managed high-performing creative and technical teams. Expertise in creative direction, business development, and talent cultivation, driving impactful digital experiences for global brands.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder / CEO
Burn Ghost Games
Rushville, New York
11.2020 - Current
- Founded and led casual game platform prioritizing community engagement, competitive gameplay, and reward mechanisms.
- Directed company vision, platform strategy, and fundraising while leading team and overseeing creative direction.
- Raised 4.5M in funding from Draft Kings Bitkraft, and Pillar VC.
- Led team of designers and programmers to uphold and enhance high-quality game standards.
- Clients include McDonald's, Unilever, NCAA, Animoca and others.
Founder / CEO
Day 8 Labs
Boston, MA
01.2020 - Current
- Strategy and creative studio specializing in emerging and immersive media, including AR, VR, AI, and voice-based experiences.
- Clients include Burger King, Animal Planet, Mattel, Schneider Electric, Sonic and others.
- Collaborated with artists and developers to create immersive visual and branded experiences that engaged audiences.
CEO
ROAR Augmented Reality Platform
Boston, MA
07.2017 - 01.2020
- Directed strategic vision for augmented reality platform, resulting in successful development and market expansion.
- Led an augmented reality platform connecting brands, retailers, and consumers through white-label and custom AR solutions.
- Led creative teams to develop innovative augmented reality campaigns that enhanced brand engagement.
- Developed and implemented SaaS business model, improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Clients include: Mitsubishi, Carson Delosa Education, Tetra Pak and others.
Executive Creative Director, Mobile & Innovation
Connelly Partners
Boston, MA
10.2013 - 02.2016
- Led mobile and innovation initiatives post-acquisition of Pod, delivering award-winning interactive content and games that enhanced brand engagement for global clients.
- Directed creative vision and strategy for multi-channel advertising campaigns, ensuring cohesive messaging and impactful audience reach.
- Managed and mentored creative teams, cultivating talent and promoting a collaborative environment that drove project success.
Book Author
Rockport Publishers
Boston, MA
01.2001 - 12.2002
- Authored Motion Graphics: Design for Broadband, Television, and Film to address growing student interest and fill a gap in available industry resources.
- Author of Convergence Design: Design for Interactive Television, Mobile and Broadband platforms.
Founder / Chief Creative Officer
Pod Digital
Boston, MA
05.1995 - 07.2016
- Founded and led production company that created award-winning branded entertainment, online games, and viral campaigns, enhancing client engagement.
- Work recognized by Hatch Show, One Show Entertainment, MITX, and Communication Arts.
- Served clients like Warner Brothers, Sony, Red Bull, Atlantic Records, A&E Networks, The History Channel, Starwood Hotels, Yahoo!, and Puma, delivering tailored creative solutions.
- Collaborated with clients and agencies to identify digital needs and objectives, driving strategic creative development.
Professor
Miami Ad School
Miami, FL
01.1994 - 12.1994
- Delivered classes on motion graphics and poster design, fostering student creativity.
- Facilitated creative project development, enhancing student skills in execution.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and feedback sessions.
- Designed innovative curriculum and projects for both courses, aligning with industry standards.
Vice President, Creative Director
Gametek
Miami, Florida
01.1988 - 01.1995
- Led creative teams in developing award-winning marketing campaigns and impactful branding strategies.
- Led creative development and marketing for best-selling titles like Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy, driving engagement across major platforms.
- Directed creative aspects of in-game branding initiatives, enhancing user experience and brand recognition.
- Oversaw project timelines and budgets to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Education
BFA - VPA - Editorial Design
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY05-1987
Skills
- Creative Technology Leadership
- Brand development
- Strategic vision
- Game & Interactive Design
- Emerging Media Strategy
- Branded Entertainment
- Fundraising / Business Development
- Team Leadership
Mentor Experience
- American Film Institute, Digital Content Lab, 01/01/04, 01/01/07
- Mass Digi Game Jam, 01/01/08, 01/01/13
- MIT Reality Hack, 2017, 2018, 2019
Accomplishments
The One Show - Gold Winner
Timeline
Founder / CEO
Burn Ghost Games
11.2020 - Current
Founder / CEO
Day 8 Labs
01.2020 - Current
CEO
ROAR Augmented Reality Platform
07.2017 - 01.2020
Executive Creative Director, Mobile & Innovation
Connelly Partners
10.2013 - 02.2016
Book Author
Rockport Publishers
01.2001 - 12.2002
Founder / Chief Creative Officer
Pod Digital
05.1995 - 07.2016
Professor
Miami Ad School
01.1994 - 12.1994
Vice President, Creative Director
Gametek
01.1988 - 01.1995
BFA - VPA - Editorial Design
Syracuse University