About — Mike Hamlet | Creative & Marketing Leader

About

From rural Ohio, to Memphis. Leaving a positive impact on our communities.

With more than two decades of experience in video production and marketing, I've honed my craft and cultivated a deep passion for storytelling. Originating from Ohio, I embarked on my journey in the industry, contributing my skills to various TV stations before relocating to Memphis alongside my wife in 2007.

During my tenure as Chief Photographer at WMC in Memphis, which lasted until 2012, I captured compelling moments and crafted visual narratives that resonated with audiences. It was a pivotal moment when I embraced a new opportunity with ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness arm of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. There, I joined the video team, channeling my expertise into supporting a noble cause.

I was promoted to the role of Creative Director, where I lead a dynamic team comprised of talented video professionals, designers, writers, and other creative minds. Together, we breathed life into creative strategies, turning concepts into captivating experiences to drive growth and revenue to record heights.

Currently, I hold the role of Director of Creative and Marketing at Pixis Drones where I combine captivating drone shows to innovative marketing strategies. Bringing over twenty years of creative and marketing experience, I am constantly pushing boundaries and inspiring the team to think outside the box. My teams ability to blend technology with storytelling, create memorable and immersive brand experiences that sets Pixis Drones apart in this young industry.

Beyond my professional life, I cherish my role as a father to two young boys, who fill my evenings with laughter and wonder. My wife contributes her skills as a research nurse to another local non-profit, further reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact on our community.

In my quest for growth and excellence, I am pursuing an additional degree at The University of Memphis. This endeavor fuels my desire to acquire new skills, allowing me to effectively lead and manage large teams with insight and proficiency.

As I continue to explore new horizons, my latest venture is the podcast titled "Elevate and Create." In this podcast, we delve into the intricacies of the creative process and unlock the untapped potential of creative professionals.

Join me on this inspiring journey as we navigate the boundless realm of creativity.

Mike Hamlet | Resume

Experience

Director Creative & Marketing

PIXIS DRONES/ Memphis, TN/ 2024-present

Implemented new strategies to execute more authentic stories in drone light show format but also across digital content channels. Within the second month of new strategy Pixis achieved record revenue and client growth. Have spearheaded new business development leveraging creative with top brands such as Minecraft, Sega, New York Giants, Paramount, NASCAR and Hasbro.

Lead Creative Strategy: Develop and execute innovative creative strategies for drone shows, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand messaging.Concepted and pitched cobrand opportunities to major brands such as FedEx, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Domino’s among others.
Marketing Leadership: Oversee marketing campaigns, including digital advertising and social media initiatives, to drive brand awareness and achieve form submission goals.of 2022. Including a Giving Tuesday push where one piece of creative raised $4.98M in a single afternoon.
Client & Partner Engagement: Foster and maintain strong relationships with clients and partners, leveraging expertise in sport and event marketing to enhance brand storytelling and create immersive experiences utilizing drone light shows.

Creative Director

ALSAC-ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL/ Memphis, TN/ 2012-2024

Lead a cross-functional creative team to generate omnichannel content to support various fundraising programs, paid media campaigns, executive communications, PR initiatives, live and virtual events, magazine content, merchandise marketing, and social teams to achieve annual revenue of $2.5B to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Collaborate with team members including SVP-Creative, SVP Strategic Marketing, and CMO to form a creative strategy for fundraising campaigns based on the target audience, digital/broadcast channels, and budget.
Concepted and pitched cobrand opportunities to major brands such as FedEx, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Domino’s among others.
Lead a dedicated creative team of cross-functional skillsets to create high-quality creative that helped raise over $421M in Q2 of 2022. Including a Giving Tuesday push where one piece of creative raised $4.98M in a single afternoon.
Lead content development for the Inspiration4 campaign which raised more than $250M and collaborated with external partners such as SpaceX, TIME, and Shift4 on creative.
Was key in growing the Feld Entertainment partnership to immerse the St. Jude brand into in-arena/stadium events and NBC sports telecasts for Feld properties, specifically the Monster Energy Supercross series and Monster Jam which has raised more than $1.5M.

In-Arena Camera Operator

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (NBA)/ Memphis, TN/ 2013-2020

As an On-Court Videographer, I filmed live NBA games and post-game press conferences, ensuring that national broadcast coverage requirements for networks such as ESPN and TNT were met. Additionally, I trained new team members on technical setups and safety best practices to ensure the well-being of players and staff.Conducted various filming during NBA games and post-game press conference.

Chief Photographer

WMCTV/ Memphis, TN/ 2007-2012

Managed a team of over 40 videographers, editors, and studio personnel, conducting annual performance reviews and ensuring quality control for daily content by troubleshooting issues. Mentored staff and created development plans for videographers, editors, and studio personnel. Served as the Lead Special Projects Videographer, hiring and interviewing staff for open positions. Recognized as the 2008 WMC Employee of the Year.

Videographer

WDTN-TV/ Dayton, OH/ 2005-2007

Responsible for working with reporters on daily assignments, including shooting and editing daily news stories and conducting live shots for newscasts.

Editor/ Videographer

WHIO-TV/ Dayton, OH/ 2002-2005

Responsible for working with reporters on daily assignments as the Lead Editor for the 5pm and 10pm newscasts. Duties included shooting and editing daily news stories.Lead editor for 5pm and 10pm newscasts.