I am a multifaceted digital storyteller, creative director and award-winning audiovisual artist who has led staff and crews for top creative agencies, NGOs and corporate clients in more than 40 countries. I write, shoot, edit and direct with a focus on visual, human-centered storytelling, creating intimate documentaries in the developing world, corporate and brand films, and directing an international feature film. I have managed teams of more than 10 and six-figure budgets on shoots for clients like Ogilvy and Amazon. I am always learning, thinking, and growing. I am dedicated to collaborative storytelling with care and impact, leading diverse teams across education, health, environment, and social inclusion. I have partnered with high-profile brands and leaders, and I continually seek opportunities to learn and grow in pursuit of meaningful, visually compelling narratives.

Dave Cooper

I am a multifaceted digital storyteller, creative director and award-winning audiovisual artist who has led staff and crews for top creative agencies, NGOs and corporate clients in more than 40 countries. I write, shoot, edit and direct with a focus on visual, human-centered storytelling, creating intimate documentaries in the developing world, corporate and brand films, and directing an international feature film. I have managed teams of more than 10 and six-figure budgets on shoots for clients like Ogilvy and Amazon. I am always learning, thinking, and growing. I am dedicated to collaborative storytelling with care and impact, leading diverse teams across education, health, environment, and social inclusion. I have partnered with high-profile brands and leaders, and I continually seek opportunities to learn and grow in pursuit of meaningful, visually compelling narratives.

Available to hire

I am a multifaceted digital storyteller, creative director and award-winning audiovisual artist who has led staff and crews for top creative agencies, NGOs and corporate clients in more than 40 countries. I write, shoot, edit and direct with a focus on visual, human-centered storytelling, creating intimate documentaries in the developing world, corporate and brand films, and directing an international feature film. I have managed teams of more than 10 and six-figure budgets on shoots for clients like Ogilvy and Amazon. I am always learning, thinking, and growing.

I am dedicated to collaborative storytelling with care and impact, leading diverse teams across education, health, environment, and social inclusion. I have partnered with high-profile brands and leaders, and I continually seek opportunities to learn and grow in pursuit of meaningful, visually compelling narratives.

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Work Experience

Video Director/Filmmaker at Dave Cooper Photo + Films
March 1, 2006 - Present
As Digital Storyteller, travels internationally and nationally to produce high-quality video and photo shoots for clients including Ogilvy, Weber-Shandwick, The New York Times, The Obama Foundation, PBS, Pathfinder International, HP, USAID, Johns Hopkins, and others. Directs, produces, shoots, and edits video and photography projects for broadcast, social media, and online media for major brands including Disney and NatGeo. As Creative Director, ideates concepts, interviews clients about needs and goals, writes scripts and storyboards, manages crew, pre-production, production, post-production, and budgets for government, corporate and non-profit clients. Manages teams of people including directors of photography, sound, assistant camera operators, editors, animators, producers, composers, voiceover talent, and various assistants, on and off set. Specializes in education, health, environment, corporate, gender, LGBTQ+ equality, poverty reduction, and more. Co-founded southofbrooklyn.com
Creative Director and Filmmaker at World Resources Institute
March 1, 2010 - September 1, 2013
Gained managerial experience leading a team of designers, film editors and animators, ensuring digital and print products met high quality standards. Directed and shot video and photography assignments globally (Mexico City, NYC, Mumbai, Beijing, Istanbul, Belize) while managing budgets and schedules. Elevated WRI’s video program to high-quality productions, including first compelling animated shorts. Redeveloped and executed the WRI brand to function nationally and internationally, including sub-brands and products. Developed and managed yearly budget, while growing digital storytelling capacity. Won EthicMark Award® for Advertising that uplifts the Human Spirit; work featured on Huffington Post and Treehugger.
Founding Partner at Masterlink Films
September 1, 2006 - Present
Directed a feature-length cycling documentary Road To Roubaix, shot on location in Europe and the USA. Designed the Masterlink Films brand, Road To Roubaix DVD packaging, website and all collateral. Managed post-production, theatrical and festival distribution of the film.
Design Director at Frank Strategic Marketing
March 1, 2005 - March 1, 2006
Led graphic designers through the process of design and production of print and digital projects. Led and initiated progress and brainstorm meetings to ensure deadlines and goals were met while maintaining concept integrity. Highlights: Won two Addy® awards for work developing the look for the Consumer Electronic Show, and promotional material for Frank Strategic Marketing.
Creative Director at SILVERDOCS Documentary Film Festival
March 1, 2004 - June 1, 2009
Served as Creative Director for festival years 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009. Developed a workflow adopted by the Sundance Film Festival.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communication at University of Baltimore
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1996

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Healthcare, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services