Hi there, I'm Polina Teif, a Creative Producer with 10+ years of experience delivering video content, campaigns, and multimedia storytelling across digital, social, and institutional platforms. I manage productions end-to-end—from concept and planning to execution and delivery—staying organized and detail-oriented while coordinating cross-functional teams to bring complex creative projects to life. As the founder of Understatement Pictures and a Digital Video Producer at the University of Toronto, I lead award-winning campaigns and long-form documentary work, collaborating with clients, marketers, designers, and researchers to craft compelling stories. I thrive on building repeatable formats, optimizing workflows, and delivering content that informs, engages, and inspires audiences.

Polina Teif

Hi there, I'm Polina Teif, a Creative Producer with 10+ years of experience delivering video content, campaigns, and multimedia storytelling across digital, social, and institutional platforms. I manage productions end-to-end—from concept and planning to execution and delivery—staying organized and detail-oriented while coordinating cross-functional teams to bring complex creative projects to life. As the founder of Understatement Pictures and a Digital Video Producer at the University of Toronto, I lead award-winning campaigns and long-form documentary work, collaborating with clients, marketers, designers, and researchers to craft compelling stories. I thrive on building repeatable formats, optimizing workflows, and delivering content that informs, engages, and inspires audiences.

Available to hire

Hi there, I’m Polina Teif, a Creative Producer with 10+ years of experience delivering video content, campaigns, and multimedia storytelling across digital, social, and institutional platforms. I manage productions end-to-end—from concept and planning to execution and delivery—staying organized and detail-oriented while coordinating cross-functional teams to bring complex creative projects to life.

As the founder of Understatement Pictures and a Digital Video Producer at the University of Toronto, I lead award-winning campaigns and long-form documentary work, collaborating with clients, marketers, designers, and researchers to craft compelling stories. I thrive on building repeatable formats, optimizing workflows, and delivering content that informs, engages, and inspires audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Digital Video Producer & Storytelling Lead at University of Toronto
January 1, 2022 - Present
Produce and manage video content and campaigns from concept through delivery across digital and social platforms. Build production timelines, workflows, and systems to support efficient creative execution. Coordinate cross-functional teams including marketing, communications, and design to deliver integrated campaigns. Lead development of repeatable video formats and series across YouTube, Shorts, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Manage interviews, filming logistics, and post-production handoff to ensure smooth delivery. Contributed to award-winning campaigns recognized by IABC/Toronto OVATION Awards and CASE District II.
Founder & Director, Understatement Pictures at Understatement Pictures
January 1, 2008 - Present
Lead end-to-end production of documentaries, branded content, and digital campaigns across multiple platforms. Manage production logistics including budgeting, scheduling, crew coordination, and vendor relationships. Oversee projects from planning through final delivery, ensuring timelines, scope, and creative quality are met. Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and creative teams to execute campaigns and storytelling initiatives. Produce long-form video series and short-form digital content, including interview-based and documentary formats.

Education

MFA – Documentary Film Production at York University
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018
Honours BA – Visual Studies & Semiotics at University of Toronto
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2013

Qualifications

Certificate in Business Communications
January 1, 2024 - March 20, 2026
Indigenous Learning Series – University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - March 20, 2026
Mental Health First Aid Certification (Youth and Adults)
January 11, 2030 - March 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education