By Itu Phalane
Welcome to NYWIFT, Chloe Derian!
Chloe Derian is a filmmaker, photographer, and creative strategist who combines artistry and strategy to craft stories that inspire and connect audiences.
With a strong background in marketing and multimedia production, she has led campaigns and creative projects that elevate brands and highlight authentic voices. Her expertise spans event production, photography, and film, focusing on visual storytelling that balances emotional resonance with strategic impact.
Chloe values collaboration and innovation, keeping pace with trends in film, photography, and digital media. She is dedicated to projects that amplify diverse perspectives and spark meaningful conversations.
In our interview, Chloe describes how her multidisciplinary background drives her passion for combining art and strategy to tell compelling stories.
NYWIFT Member Chloe Derian
Can you give our readers a short introduction to who you are?
I am Chloe Derian, a filmmaker, photographer, and creative strategist who thrives at the intersection of art and strategy. I love shaping stories that move people and make brands unforgettable.
What brought you to NYWIFT?
I wanted to join a community of women who are creating real change in film and media. NYWIFT feels like the right place to share ideas, learn from others, and collaborate on meaningful projects.
Can you describe a marketing campaign at Mezrah Consulting that you are especially proud of?
For Mezrah’s 30th anniversary, I built a campaign that honored their legacy while refreshing their voice. From concept through visuals, I led the creative approach, and the result was stronger client loyalty and new recognition in the industry.
How has your background in marketing influenced the way you approach multimedia production?
It always begins with the audience. Marketing taught me to ask who is watching and why they should care. That focus keeps my work both visually compelling and strategically sharp.
How has your experience as a photographer and filmmaker shaped your approach to marketing communications?
Visual storytelling guides everything I do. Whether in a campaign or a film, I approach it like a scene where every image and every beat must serve the story.
Can you share an example of a cross-functional project that combined digital marketing with video production?
I produced a video series paired with a digital ad rollout. I scripted, shot, edited, and aligned the launch strategy so that creative and analytics worked in sync. The project not only boosted brand credibility but also generated new business leads.
How do you stay up-to-date with trends in film, photography, and marketing?
I attend panels, read industry news, and constantly test new tools. I weave these trends into my work so each project feels current while still rooted in timeless storytelling.
What types of projects are you interested in working on in the future?
I am excited to be part of any project where I can bring my creativity and unique perspective. I especially enjoy opportunities that merge film, photography, and marketing in fresh and innovative ways.
Connect with Chloe Derian on LinkedIn and via her websites, chloederian.com and stillandmotions.com.
(All images courtesy of Chloe Derian.)
Itu Phalane
Itu Phalane is a student at CUNY Hunter College, where she studies film and media. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is an aspiring photographer, a passion that complements her interest in film.
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Christina Brennan
Welcome to NYWIFT, Christina Brennan! Christina is a New York–based filmmaker whose work explores the emotional complexity of young womanhood through bold, conversation-driven storytelling. She is particularly drawn to dystopian, psychological thriller, and comedy genres, often blending tension and humor. As a recent graduate, she made her directorial debut with the short film Dear Nora, which won first place at AGBO’s No Sleep ’Til Film Festival—marking an exciting start to her creative career. In addition to her work behind the camera, Christina is the founder of Onore Films, a community dedicated to supporting and connecting young women in film through collaboration and shared resources. With experience across multiple areas of production, she approaches filmmaking as both a creative practice and a way to foster meaningful connection. In our interview, Christina discussed her journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind Dear Nora, and her passion for building community among emerging women in film.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Anna Bick Rowe
Welcome to NYWIFT, Anna Bick Rowe! Anna is an Emmy Award-winning producer and Head of Production at Smartypants Pictures, an Academy Award-winning production company based in Brooklyn. She thrives on being “multilingual” within the industry, seamlessly navigating between commercial, nonprofit, and documentary projects. Anna has worked on a wide range of high-profile projects, including serving as Executive Producer alongside Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai on Stranger at the Gate, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2023. In addition to her documentary work, Anna has produced content for brands such as Adidas, Delta Air Lines, The Lincoln Motor Company, Macy’s, Snapchat, Cadillac, Indeed, Cooper Tires, and Ford Motor Company, as well as films for dozens for nonprofits. In our interview, Anna shared her journey into producing, what working on the Oscar-winning documentary All the Empty Rooms meant to her, and her approach to social impact storytelling.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Karen “Dr.K” Baptiste
Welcome to NYWIFT, Karen "Dr.K" Baptiste! Karen "Dr. K" Baptiste is an investigative journalist and media storyteller whose work explores the intersections of race, education, and the criminal legal system. She is an Emmy® award-winning filmmaker of the documentary Preschool to Prison, and also works as a speaker, leadership wellness coach, and organizational strategist. Her work centers lived experience, elevating voices that are often overlooked while connecting personal narratives to broader systems of accountability. Dr. K brings a rigorous, human-centered approach to storytelling that is grounded in care, amplification, and long-term generational impact. Originally from the Bronx, she collaborates with mission-driven organizations, creatives, and community leaders across the country to support storytelling and leadership practices that foster meaningful change.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Kash Blagrove
Welcome to NYWIFT, Kash Blagrove! Kash is a New York City–based producer with a background in advertising and a strong commitment to authenticity, diversity, and inclusion in media. Over the past decade, she has produced campaigns for major brands including eBay, European Wax Center, Peloton, and the WNBA, working across projects ranging from small-scale productions to multi-million-dollar campaigns. As a champion of body positivity, Kash brings a thoughtful perspective to her work, advocating for greater representation both in front of and behind the camera. Her work on the WNBA’s Line ’Em Up campaign earned multiple honors at the 2025 Clio Sports Awards, reflecting the real impact the project had beyond the screen. In our interview, Kash discussed her journey into producing, her commitment to inclusive storytelling, and the projects she’s excited to bring to life next.
READ MORE
Comments are closed