In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to Nick Sullivan, Film and Editorial Director from our Detroit studio.
A bit about me…
I am the product of the 1980s, where classic video games (a proud SEGA kid) and comic books were not only entertainment, but introduced me to the art of storytelling. The rich narratives sparking my love for fiction, evolving into an obsession with sci-fi. I’m still an avid gamer, and have become an electronic music hobbyist and amateur rocket observer – both rooted in my fascination with futuristic, sci-fi-inspired worlds.
The creative experience that influenced me the most…
By college, the little video game-playing, comic book-collecting, sci-fi nerd had transformed into a bit of a space punk. Then ‘The Matrix’ came out, a movie with long leather jackets, sunglasses at night, and all black, it was perfect! Beyond the aesthetic, it was a huge commercial success, proving to me that sci-fi could be mainstream. That’s when I knew I wanted to work in film production. The next semester, I spent all my loan money on a Mac computer and a video camera and never looked back.
My industry hero is…
The Wachowskis have inspired me with their visually stunning films and classic stories—not just ‘The Matrix’ but also ‘Speed Racer’ and ‘Cloud Atlas’. Another big influence for me was Christopher Nolan. The first movie of his I watched was ‘Memento’, which I was so obsessed with, I talked my professor into allowing me to turn it into a class project. Learning that Nolan doesn’t use second units and insists on being behind the camera for every shot shows a level of dedication and detail that I admire.
The piece of work I’m most proud of…
The projects I’m most proud of have one thing in common: clients that were willing to try something different. There’s nothing more satisfying than presenting something bold and striking, and seeing it in a new light. That being said, the three projects I am most proud of are; a drunk driving awareness commercial made for The State of Michigan, a jingle for a midwest pizza franchise and the Ford Mach-E FPV drift film for SEMA.
The piece of work that makes me cringe…
It’s important to revisit your not-so-great work and determine why they didn’t work and how they can be improved. What I’ve learned is that most failures come down to lack of preparation. Sometimes it’s controllable, other times it’s not, but learning to prepare what you can, and fight for control where you can’t, has given me a greater appreciation for filmmakers like Nolan. Those who manage every detail with an intense, micromanager style. I’ll refrain from calling out any one piece of work, partner or client. We’ve all been there.
The experience I wish I had created…
I’ve always dreamed of working on a story that unfolds through an epic space opera. Therefore; I would pick the 2004 remake of ‘Battlestar Galactica’, Apple TV’s ‘Foundation’ and Amazon’s ‘The Expanse’.
Advice to my 18-year-old self…
Be bolder. Speak up more. Stand up for your ideas and push to see them brought to life authentically. No one else will fight for your vision better than you can.
What’s next?
I’m most excited about pushing projects further into the sci-fi future. We’re developing, storyboarding, and producing an entirely AI-generated video as promotional content for a new client. Everything—storyboard images, film clips, voiceover, music—will be AI-generated. Even the script is written by machines.
I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.
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