ERIKA HENKE
“An accomplished producer and project manager with over 20 years of global experience in fashion, commercial photography and video, Erika manages and directs teams of talented photographers, videographers, stylists, hair & makeup and digital retouchers to generate work across all media. Growing up in the “make it happen, make it great” era of advertising, she sweats the details that often spell the difference between good and great. Savvy, driven, and resourceful—while maintaining calm under fire—Erika brings the kind of positive energy to problem solving that elevates a project beyond expectations. And at every step, she works to provide the best experience for clients, cast and crew. On time. On target. And within budget.”
WHERE IN THE WORLD…
Currently residing in Milwaukee, WI.
WHY AN ELEPHANT?
An elephant herd is led by a matriarch. She is wise. She is resourceful. She guides with a combination of patience, confidence, compassion and courage. In times of crisis, the herd will rely on her to lead them through the jungle. In the jungle we know as advertising, this…is who I am. This…is what I do.
WHAT I DO
BACKGROUND
I grew up in this crazy biz. My grandfather had a small advertising agency back in Indianapolis. My father was an Executive Creative Director with a career spanning more than 40 years in Dallas, St. Louis, NYC and Austin. Despite their warnings, I found myself in the industry after graduating with a Radio-TV-Film degree. Starting at the bottom as a film PA logging 18-hour days, I moved into Styling, worked my way up to Producer, then Executive Producer, and ultimately to the head of my own production company. For four years, I served as Photo Production Manager for global heritage brand, Lands’ End. I’ve put in the sweat. And I know what it takes to guide and manage a project to the highest standards. Over the last 20+ years, I’ve worked in studios and on location — around the country and abroad—in places ranging from Mediterranean glamorous, to polar vortex Midwest winters, to the sweltering Texas heat. I’ve witnessed some of the biggest advances in photography, video and tech over my career. I love the puzzle and the people. And along the way, I’ve been called to manage some of the toughest, most demanding, most logistically complex shoots you could imagine. And ultimately, some of the most rewarding.