Operatic Agency is not just another creative digital agency—we're a powerhouse of research, strategy, storytelling, and technology that fuels business growth. Named one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies five years in a row , we bring brands closer to their audiences with bold ideas and cutting-edge executions.

If you’re passionate about transforming ideas into impactful narratives , thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment , and are eager to make a difference , we want you on our team!

About the Role

An Associate Director, Media Production at Operatic Agency is a creative leader responsible for overseeing (and hands-on executing) the end-to-end delivery of world-class video, photo, and multimedia content. Reporting to the Creative Director, you will lead the agency’s media production. Setting the vision, managing cross-functional production teams, and ensuring all visual storytelling supports client strategies and exceeds expectations.

You’ll bring operational efficiency to the production pipeline, collaborate closely with strategy and creative teams, and champion innovation in tools, techniques, and storytelling formats. The ideal candidate is a hands-on creative leader with deep experience in media production and a passion for pushing boundaries in visual communication. You'll also take the lead in turning creative concepts into executable plans, overseeing all aspects of pre-production to ensure flawless shoot days and seamless delivery.

What you’ll be doing

Content & Creative Leadership

• Provide creative direction and leadership across all media production projects, from concept to delivery, ensuring every piece aligns with brand, strategy, and business objectives
• Guide the development of visual storytelling strategies that resonate with target audiences across pharma, healthcare, lifestyle, and consumer verticals
• Partner with creative directors, writers, and account leads to shape compelling narratives and translate them into high-impact visual content
• Oversee the execution of photo and video content, directing shoots (studio/on-location), approving storyboards, and reviewing edits for creative and technical integrity
• Champion a high bar for creative output, fostering a culture of originality, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Operational Oversight & Strategic Execution

• Oversee and execute all pre-production activities including casting, location scouting, permitting, budgeting, crew sourcing, and scheduling
• Ensure comprehensive pre-shoot planning and documentation (e.g., run-of-show, gear lists, contact sheets) to ensure smooth execution
• Own the production pipeline and resource planning to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery of assets
• Collaborate with project managers to build accurate scopes, schedules, and work-back plans
• Maintain quality control across all media deliverables while aligning outputs with Operatic’s brand values and client goals
• Support business development and new business pitches with media production expertise, case studies, and capability-building
• Familiarity with DAM (Digital Asset Management) systems and file versioning best practices
• Experience building scalable production templates, SOPs, or documentation libraries
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and production best practices

Technical Expert

• Translate scripts and concepts into clear visual plans using storyboards, shot lists, and moodboards to align the team and client on creative direction
• Lead the planning and logistics for shoots — including casting, location scouting, crew sourcing, permitting, equipment needs, and scheduling
• Direct live action shoots with hands-on experience in camera work, lighting setups, sound capture, and managing production teams on set
• Bring a strong eye for framing, movement, lighting, and visual pacing to elevate storytelling and create visually compelling content
• Ensure high-quality audio capture during production and leads post-production sound editing, mixing, and sound design as needed
• Own the editing process from rough cut to final polish — including narrative structure, visual pacing, transitions, color grading, and finishing
• Incorporate motion elements, titles, and graphic overlays to enhance storytelling and ensure brand consistency across formats
• Prepare final exports tailored to specific platforms and channels, with careful attention to resolution, aspect ratios, compression, and file specs
• Ensure all production quality meets best-in-class standards for lighting, audio, composition, transitions, color grading, and digital optimization
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies, software, and production workflows to increase efficiency and elevate content quality
• Troubleshoot production challenges in real-time, ensuring deliverables remain on schedule and on budget without compromising quality

Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire team members, helping them grow in craft and confidence
• Identify staffing and resourcing needs, manage vendor relationships, and support recruitment of top-tier production talent
• Set clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations across projects and drive team alignment through collaboration and feedback
• Create a high-performing team culture rooted in trust, innovation, and executional excellence

What you’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor's degree in Film, Media, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• 10+ years of experience in video and media production, with a track record of leading creative teams in an agency, studio, or production house setting
• Strong portfolio showcasing leadership on high-impact visual content (including video, branded photo, and motion design)
• Expert-level proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Lightroom), camera systems, lighting, and sound equipment
• Experience managing production budgets, vendor contracts, and multidisciplinary teams
• Deep understanding of branding, creative strategy, audience insights, and the digital marketing landscape
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate vision and influence internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work calmly and accurately under tight deadlines and across multiple projects
• A drive to develop range by learning new skills that expand your expertise

Nice to have

• Experience working with Sony cameras (FX6 and A7R Series preferred)
• Photography expertise, including directing branded photo shoots and editing for web and social
• Experience producing content in regulated industries (e.g., pharma, finance)
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills (especially French in Canadian markets)
• Familiarity with remote or hybrid production workflows, including cloud-based collaboration platforms

Why Operatic Agency

• Clear Leadership Vision
• Challenging and Meaningful Work
• Competitive Pay and Comprehensive Benefits (Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Mental Health Support)
• Culture of Excellence
• Future-Thinking
• Professional Growth
• Collaborative & Supportive Environment
• Recognition & Reward
• Diverse Clientele
• Vibrant Location & Hybrid Work

Operatic Agency values inclusion and access for all applicants and employees. Should you require accommodation to participate in the application and interview process, please let us know. Operatic Agency continuously aims to foster a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected.

Thank you for your interest in joining Operatic Agency! Only those selected for next steps will be contacted.