By FP1 Strategies
In this installment of “Meet Our Production Pros,” we’re featuring the contributions of Managing Director Nick Gay. Nick is a talented motion graphics editor, producer, director and writer. At FP1, Nick manages our in-house team of editors, ensuring we can provide our clients with 24/7 service for their advertising needs.
Recently, Nick produced and edited an ad for Americans for Prosperity that won a Reed Award for Best Public Affairs Digital Ad. In 2022, he edited an ad for the American Action Network on Joe Biden’s student loan bailout that won a Gold Pollie Award for Best Public Affairs Digital Ad. As a senior leader at our firm, Nick knows how to get the best out of the team members he manages. He is helping take our production capabilities to the next level and empowering us to efficiently manage our growth and the increased production demands on our team.
“Nick is a rare breed in the political and public affairs arena,” said FP1 Partner Trent Wisecup. “He can write scripts, direct shoots, edit ads and shoot video and stills. Nick’s versatility is very valuable to our team and our creative process. He’s an award-winning ad maker, a strong manager and the ultimate team player, helping to build a fun and strong culture in our Clarendon office. We’re fortunate that Nick is advancing his career at FP1.”
Read this lightning round of Q&A with Nick Gay.
What’s your alma mater?
I earned a BFA from The Art Institute.
What do you like best about working at FP1?
No two campaigns are the same. I love the variety of work we do for our clients but more than anything, I value the incredible team we’ve built to support them.
What’s your favorite political or issue advocacy spot you’ve edited at FP1?
Hands down, the Bidenomics concept shoot called “Lessons.” I had the opportunity to direct it, and we set the scene in a 1950s/60s-era classroom. We cast a younger look-alike actor to portray the senator writing, “I promise not to raise taxes on Americans” over and over on a chalkboard highlighting the gap between political promises and actual voting records.
What’s your favorite podcast?
When my daughters aren’t requesting Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest I’m usually listening to SmartLess on road trips. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes are hilarious and don’t take their interviews too seriously, it’s a great mental reset. On my daily commute, it’s usually The Daily or Freakonomics Radio (nerd alert).
What’s the last book you read?
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara (on Audible). It’s the story of how Will helped turn Eleven Madison Park into the best restaurant in the world in 2017. He’s also a co-producer and co-writer of The Bear, and if you’ve seen the show, you’ll catch a lot of overlap in the stories and lessons.
What TV series are you watching right now?
I’m really into The Studio on Apple TV. It’s about a new studio head making every wrong decision possible. Watching the trainwreck unfold is half the fun. He’s technically the protagonist, but they really make it hard to root for him.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday?
I wish I could say it’s a day to relax, but Saturdays are for the kids. We’re usually shuttling them around to different activities. Sunday is when I recharge, and that usually means yard work.
What’s the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
A three-week adventure: Bangkok to New Zealand to Phuket. From street food in Thailand, to lamb and wine in Marlborough, to beach time back in Phuket – it was a perfect mix of chaos and calm.
What’s your go-to restaurant in the DC area?
We’ve got a solid rotation of spots near our home in Virginia, but in D.C., we’ve really enjoyed Osteria Mozza and L’Ardent this year. For special occasions, we love going to our friend’s restaurant, Reverie.
Which is it? Beer, wine or cocktails?
I miss a good Belgian-style beer. These days, for a healthier option, I usually go with wine. But after a tough week? Gin Martini.
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who’d it be and why?
Anthony Bourdain, without question. He was a man of the people who deeply respected those who work in hospitality and he told their stories with empathy and edge.
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