REVIEWS

 

I had the opportunity to work with Doug on a very demanding client for over a year. When I was hired, he told me his intent was to turn the workaround – we’ve all heard that before. This time, it was for real and we did, thanks to his guidance, creative direction, and understanding of how to work with a difficult client. Doug did a fantastic job as a conduit between the client and our creative team by managing expectations on both client and agency side. 

 

Doug was my Creative Director/immediate Supervisor, as well as my partner on many projects. His critiques were productive and fostered work for the “better goodness of the brand.” He was also one of the few Creative Directors who came from the discipline of Art Direction but understood the nuances of writing compelling content.  As a partner, he was funny as hell. I really miss that part. Doug has a great sense of humor that’s contagious, to say the least.

-Felipe Bascope

 Writer

 

 

 

When I came to the Designory in 1999 I reported directly to Doug Finelli. As the head of production I managed many projects involving millions of dollars for Mercedes-Benz and the pressure was intense.  Doug was a great Creative guy to work for; he valued the creative design side but always managed to see the balance with the logistics side.  I would work for Doug again in a heartbeat!

-Natalia Casemore

 Senior Director of Production at NBC Universal

 

 

 

Doug is the epitome of the full-compliment CD. He's got a sharp eye, a writer's instinct, and more importantly, a highly inquisitive mind.  He's also a delight to work with, inspiring and motivating those around him to always bring their A-game. I've had many partners in my many years in the business, few rise to Doug's level of studied professionalism and cheeky, good-natured fun.

-Dani Kollin

 Creative Director at Belkin International

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In a word, working with Doug is just plain scary. In the best way possible. It was scary how well we worked as a team from day one. It was also scary how we both approached the work the exact same way. The really scary part is Doug's an idea machine without an off switch - with solutions, executions, sales, and happy clients to prove it.  He thinks strategically (which to the amusement of everyone scares the hell out of the account people), and manages not only to have a big-picture vision of the work but a real-world solution how to bring it to life. Having been a director, Doug brings an understanding of production and skill set to the party most creative directors only dream of. He doesn't suffer fools lightly, and his wicked sense of humor in even the most dire situations make working with him an unforgettably great experience. I can't wait to do it again. If you hire for a company or an agency, I promise you'll feel the same way.

-Jeff Gelberg

 Senior MarComm Editor

 

 

 

Aside from being one of the funniest people I know, Doug is also very clever. He always has a fresh and innovative solution to just about any advertising problem. Some of the best commercials I've directed have been penned by Doug. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of film and advertising. This serves him well both in creating truly original ideas and scripts as well as through the production process. But, I suppose what I admire most about Doug is that he is a natural collaborator. He is really good at listening to ideas and improving upon them on the spot. He always has really helpful suggestions on set that I almost always incorporate into the shoot. As far as advertising creatives go -- and I work with a lot -- I rate Doug at the top.  

-Roderick Fenske

 Award-winning motion-picture director, writer