EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
“I have been able to work with Illana on a number of projects over the years. She’d produced a Honda job for me that was loaded with challenges: tight budget, large cast, different locations across state lines, product under embargo, multiple deliverables – the list goes on. There were plenty of opportunities for things to go off the rails, but she kept everything on track and by the end of it, I was thrilled that she was in my camp. She brings a ton of experience to the job, the kind of experience that can anticipate problems before they become actual problems.
She’s a total pro, and fun to hang with to boot.”
- Michael Miller, Ex CD, Gravity Global formally Dailey LA
“Illana is a super creative producer, she always brings exciting new directors, editors, and talent to the projects she’s producing. Once she gets the creative she pairs boards with the best talent out there.
- Carlos Barciela, VP Director of Production Conill Advertising
I'm originally from South Africa. My journey spans more than three continents, two decades working at leading advertising agencies and one phenomenal opportunity, where I was mentored by one of advertising’s most exceptional and creative CCO’s, Jordin Mendelsohn, at Mendelsohn|Zien Advertising.
Over these many years I've had the privilege of being guided by visionary talents whose creativity, ingenious minds and boundless imaginations have kindled my own artistic spark and passion for creative excellence. I’ve honed my skills as a producer by absorbing invaluable insights, while partnering alongside many talented creatives such as: Greg Hahn, Harold Einstein, Rob Smiley and many more, while at the same time being fortunate to work with magical directors such as Michael Bay, Jan De Bont, Joe Pytka, Craig Gillespie and Lance Accord to name just a few. It was during these formative years that I learnt how to best serve and bring a creative vision to life. I did this while maintaining client goals and leveraging budgets in unique and skillful ways.
To me managing and producing successful projects is all about inclusion, collaboration and striving to do better. It’s these things that permeates every aspect of my production style and speaks to three key factors, which I believe are needed to ensure a successful production: to elevate creative, leverage your budget and bringing a team together who are dedicated to doing their very best. I do this by nurturing my team to feel passionate and motivated to go the distance, and in our industry that requires making sacrifices of time, effort and tenacity. I am so grateful to have had the extraordinary efforts of those around me throughout these years, because doing great work can not be done alone.
It’s with this unique, 360 and social-first view, that I approach every project. This along with my experience and the valuable relationships I’ve cultivated over the years, which allow me opportunities to deliver successful and unexpected triumphs. I bring this to each and every project I’m engaged in. If you want to be exceptional, work with an exceptional team and in many instances that starts with me.
When I’m not producing content I’m listening to podcasts, investing in real estate, designing spaces and learning about life as a human, mother, friend. Always with the goal to do better and be better.
“This is my reference for Illana Stuppel. No, this is more than a reference, this is a declaration of excellence. Imagine this being shouted out to a large crowd gathered in a city center or town square. Illana Stuppel is so incredible and amazing. We at Doner LA loved working with her because of her ability to pivot and problem solve at a moments notice. We still aren’t 100% sure how she pulled it off. Whatever she did should be written down and taught in schools.
Seriously, she is awesome.”
- Jason Gaboriau, Formerly CCO, Doner LA
Coming soon…
- Pascal Heiduk, Director