Jesse Costello

Experience

Freelance2012/2020

Creative Copywriter

• Recent clients include Nike, Old Navy, Digital Media Management (website rewrite) and Namu Labs (explainer video scripts and animated video)
• Wrote comedic feature scripts, original half-hours and digital shorts for companies including DreamWorks Animation, Michael De Luca Productions, Full Fathom Five, Green Mountain West, Broken Road Productions and Fox Searchlight
• Published blog posts that attracted thousands of shares and reposts for online media outlets including The New York Observer, College Humor, and YourTango.com

SELECT PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

+ WHAT’S IN THE BOX?, FACEBOOK WATCH (2018)
• Generated questions and jokes for interactive Facebook game show that attracted 7K+ likes and 50K+ active players within three weeks of launch

+ HIPSTER PARENTS, GREEN MOUNTAIN WEST (2014)
• Developed and wrote TV sitcom pilot that was optioned by Craig Ferguson’s production company

+ THE MUSICVERSE, DREAMWORKS ANIMATION (2012)
• Pitched feature-length animated project based on existing DreamWorks IP and worked closely with studio creative executives throughout six month development process

Waste Creative2016/2018

Sr. Creative Producer & Copywriter

• As first US hire for London-based digital creative agency, leveraged proven storytelling skills to generate engaging content and copy for clients including Sega, Supercell, Harmonix, Direct Energy and Mercari
• Ideated new and creative ways to deliver targeted digital content for clients via responsive websites and social posts, galleries and videos, growing both audience size and engagement
• Guided international clients looking to push into the US market and developed unique content and copy with a distinctive voice that appealed directly to American consumers
• Showcased versatility while drafting creative briefs and client pitches, compiling case studies, producing filmed and animated content as well as directing voiceover sessions for assigned projects
• Managed international cross-functional teams, third party vendors and freelancers to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality creative content for multiple, simultaneous projects
• Conducted extensive market research and outreach campaigns to generate new client leads

KEY SUCCESSES:
• Secured profitable partnership with Sensely, a San Francisco-based health startup that partnered with the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK and wrote and produced “Ask NHS” social video series that reached target audience of 4.5M+
• Project-managed Mercari’s US-focused rebranding campaign, overseeing $250K budget as well as writing and producing social video content that earned client praise for creative execution and impact
• Developed a brand style guide for Freedman International, creating core brand guidelines and company values that enabled the client to efficiently communicate the scope of their services to new customers

Activision2011/2012

Social Media Marketing Manager + Community Manager

• Created online and social personas for all characters in Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure video game, attracting 500K+ Facebook followers for game series that sold 30M+ toys and generated $500M+ in sales to rank as the top-selling console and handheld video game in 2012

The New York Observer2010/2011

Executive Producer, Observer Digital

• Collaborated with Editorial Board to define a digital strategy that would engage and grow prominent NY newspaper’s audience across all web and social channels, maintaining responsibility for digital content curation, audience development and analytics reports to senior executives

MySpace2006/2009

Creative Services Manager + Creative Producer

• Led NY & Midwest Creative Services team to create custom advertiser communities on MySpace for 100+ global clients that included Coca-Cola, P&G, Cadbury-Schweppes, HBO and Food Network