LOS ANGELES • PORTLAND • KNOXVILLE

Why Ballast?

We bring experience, taste, and a proven ability to craft iconic campaigns that stand the test of time. Our team is uniquely suited to elevate your brand through:

Distinctive Messaging

We move beyond ordinary, vignette-style advertising to craft bold narratives that resonate deeply.

Unified Visual Branding

Every touchpoint will reflect a cohesive, elevated brand identity.

Strategic Storytelling

We uncover unexploited ideas to highlight your brand's unique proposition and connect with underserved audiences.

Proven Expertise

Years of experience have refined our sense of aesthetic, voice & nuance allowing us to consistently deliver campaigns that inspire, captivate and set brands apart.

With Ballast, your brand will not just compete—it will lead, standing apart as a truly distinctive destination. Together, we’ll create an advertising campaign that connects with audiences and inspires them to experience the extraordinary.

SEE OUR WORK

Our Team

Founded by industry veterans, award-winning filmmakers and broadcast designers, Ballast blends strategic insight and creativity with the flexibility and personalized approach of a boutique studio. After nearly two decades and countless successful campaigns, we've earned the trust of clients who value both quality and collaboration.

Jackie Spining

An accomplished EXECUTIVE PRODUCER based in Knoxville, with a proven track record of expertise in marketing, promotions, advertising, and brand management. Recognized for her focus on the theme park, hospitality, tourism industries, she pairs deep local market knowledge with a personalized approach to help clients enhance their brands and achieve outstanding marketing success.

Jennifer Ryan

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, EDITOR with expertise in post-production, broadcast ad campaigns, show graphics, network promos, animation, and audio editing. Skilled in leading projects from concept to delivery.

Eric Fulford

CREATIVE DIRECTOR with over 20 years of experience and Emmy Award-winning expertise in broadcast design, animation, and live-action production; specializing in network promos, show packages, original content development, and filmmaking, with a strong track record of delivering innovative, high-impact creative solutions.

Damian Fulton

DIRECTOR with 30+ years of experience creating award-winning campaigns for Herschend Entertainment, Dollywood, and global brands like Pepsi, Chevron, and Jaguar. His recent work includes directing Elton John’s VR film and leading creative for Universal and Disney theme park projects.

Jae Hubbard

COPYWRITER with 30+ years of experience, specializing in campaigns for Dollywood and Herschend Entertainment and brands like Mattel and Disney. With expertise in travel, entertainment, and technology, she delivers results-driven, compelling creative.

Melissa Blakey

PRODUCER with extensive experience in fast-paced environments, Melissa excels in overseeing diverse television and film projects. Dedicated to treating clients, projects, and employees with respect, she provides comprehensive support throughout each process.

Aaron Milus

ART DIRECTOR, ANIMATOR with over 12 years of experience in the film & television industry and a passion for storytelling. Clients include NBC/Universal, FOX Sports, E! Network, Epson, Buzzfeed, Netflix, and NASA.

David Pagani

ART DIRECTOR, DESIGNER with 20+ years of experience promoting top entertainment brands. Driven by a child-like curiosity, he blends traditional and digital mediums to craft compelling stories and bring unique characters to life. His work spans art direction, design, illustration, animation, compositing, and storyboarding for clients including Amazon Prime Video, NFL Network, FOX Sports, Taco Bell, UFC, and more.

Mark Schwartz

WRITER, PRODUCER with award-winning experience across a range of projects, from indie features selected for prestigious festivals like Santa Barbara and Mill Valley, to social justice documentaries showcased at Sundance, Toronto, Berlin, and more. His work also includes screenplays optioned by major studios and commercials for Fortune 500 companies.

Call

Knoxville 865-740-5775

Los Angeles 310-838-7258

Email

jackie@ballast.tv

hello@ballast.tv