How long have you been with the Internal Agency?
3+ years (14 with the org)

Who might pop on during a Webex call?
Sophie, the cat that was a package deal with my wife. She accepts me into the family now (The cat that is).

What would you say your top skills are (work and life)?
Just having some sort of “eye” for things, whether that be with directing, producing, shooting, drawing, taking photos of our cat, etc… Stubborn optimism in the face of challenges. Being a cheerleader for people; I believe in you! Oh, and I have a strong GIF game.

A skill you wish you had?
Patience. If I had that, I would’ve become an animator.

What do you most value in a coworker?
A good attitude, honesty, and having a strong GIF game.

What do you most value in a client?
Trust and an interest in creating outside-the-box work.

What’s your last work project that makes you extra proud?
Evernorth Home-Based Care video series: The Doctor Is In

Last personal project that you’re proud of?
I created a $3 music video in my garage using a 1985 Pentax macro lens to film a syringe of milk being shot into a water vase at super-slow motion, lit by flashing light panels on all sides.

What’s the biggest work hurdle you’ve overcome?
After almost 20 years in the business, there are more than I can count, but most recently, the Evernorth Home-Based Care video series. Every possible challenge you could imagine presented itself during that shoot. Small, dark locations in patients’ homes. Hand-held lighting due to tight budgets. Parking problems for our production truck in downtown Philly. The list goes on. But resilience, teamwork and some quick problem solving got us through it. Shoots like that keep you strong!

Share with us something you’re working on to improve?
Turning off my brain at night so I can sleep.

What’s your favorite piece of creative?
An old DVD set featuring the music video, short film and ad work of directors Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry, Chris Cunningham and my personal favorite, Mark Romanek. A formative set for fledgling filmmakers in the early 00s.

And your favorite place to find inspiration?
Lately seeing innovative video work from around the world via Lens Addiction (instagram.com/lens_addiction) and the work of Studio Ghibli.

What about the last song you listened to on repeat?
“Might Love Myself” by Beartooth

Tell us something we wouldn’t have guessed about you?
I was part of a comedy hip-hop duo in college much like The Lonely Island, but pre-Lonely Island. (No, you can’t hear any of it. It all died with Myspace… thankfully.)

What’s the best creative advice you’ve been given?
Appealing to an audience doesn’t mean you have to compromise your art.

What’s the motto you live by?
Don’t die with your music still in you.

Meet Bill Cornelius

Name:

Work location/city:

Job title: