Editors Note: Reel Chicago’s The Reel Black List isn’t just about February—it’s about honoring the Black creatives, leaders, and visionaries who shape Chicago’s film, TV, advertising, music, and media industries year-round. At a time when DEI initiatives face increasing challenges, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge and amplify the voices making an impact. For the next 29 days, we’ll celebrate the incredible contributions of Black professionals across the city. But let’s be clear—Black excellence isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement. It’s 365. Today, meet BarkleyOKRP Head of Production, Elena Robinson.
Elena began her career in production in TV series the Oprah Winfrey-led limited series Brewster Place. When that show wrapped, she transitioned to advertising, honing her craft at agencies like Leo Burnett, Havas, R/GA, and Energy BBDO. Elena has created award-winning commercials, social content, and large-scale activations for Fortune 500 clients, including Google, Verizon, Samsung, Bayer, Sprint, Sony, Nintendo, Proctor & Gamble and Burger King. Her work has won awards from Ad Age. The One Show, Webbys, Effies, Clios, and Cannes Lions.
Beyond advertising, Elena has produced a Gospel TV show for a local cable station, a podcast about the creative process in advertising called, The God Particle, and launched the first Old Town School of Folk Music’s annual Juneteenth, Folk & Roots festival concert series.
A passionate advocate for equity and equality, she served for over 11 years on the Board of Directors for Women Employed, spearheading marketing efforts that drove record-breaking donations.
Elena’s professional journey led her to BarkleyOKRP as Head of Production, where she streamlined processes, increased revenue and built a high-functioning team of ad producers, Bas, and editors, which led to her co-founding the digital creative agency Putney, where she now serves as CEO and Executive Producer.
At Putney, she is committed to building a world-class creative agency that champions inclusivity on both sides of the camera—and she has the vision and tenacity to make it happen.
Let’s meet Elena!
What’s your Origin Story?
My personal origin story is that I’m a girl from Maine who started “producing things” in high school. I worked for my English teacher stage managing her Improve company – Abrams & Anderson. One summer I was “tour manager” for a traveling African Dance company. I went to Northwestern studied theater and was hooked on a production life.
What did you want to be as a kid?
As a kid, I wanted first to be a writer because books and stories always fully captivated me. As a kid, I wrote short stories and poems, then I wanted to be an actress but theater school cured me of that particular ailment.
How did you choose your career path?
Production kind of chose me. Growing up in Maine I had no idea that there was a thing called advertising or a producer. Once in college, I learned there was this thing called a producer which seemed to be a perfect combination of my obsessive need to organize and a real love of all things creative, creation and art.
What’s your creative process like?
My creative process differs if it’s working through a work project or a personal project. To produce a marketing idea while nuanced and unique for every execution it follows a pretty specific path. As Ad producers we work to elevate the idea through execution, which means at every touchpoint we are looking for the best partners, extra layer of detail and elements of craft that we can consciously impact to create a better more engaging, and impactful artifact be it TV, OLV, Content or Experience. The beauty is always in the details.
Who inspires you?
I draw inspiration from multiple sources that have profoundly shaped my journey. First and foremost, I’m deeply inspired by the pioneers who blazed trails before me, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities that allow me to thrive in this field today.
I’m equally moved by the brilliant creatives, visionary leaders, and dedicated team members who have mentored and guided my professional growth with both wisdom and patience. Above all, my family’s unwavering love and support serve as a constant source of motivation, giving me the strength and confidence to pursue my aspiration
The most unconventional risk that I’ve taken in my career came when, years ago in the early days of digital advertising I chose to leave a traditional agency where I was going nowhere to move to a new digital start-up where I was able to get my feet wet as an Executive Producer in a job where I was able to define and shape process, push design and UX/UI boundaries, and work on the first “influencer” campaign for Hornitos tequila.
When faced with setbacks, what keeps you going?
When faced with setbacks, I find strength in my proven resilience. My past experiences have taught me that every challenge, though daunting in the moment, can be overcome. This history of overcoming obstacles gives me confidence that I can navigate whatever difficulties lie ahead. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder: I’ve weathered storms before, and I’ll weather this one too
Your favorite Chicago Dive.
My favorite Chicago dive is Gold Coast Dogs on Wabash. Now and again you just need a good crispy char dog and fries. They nail it every time!
List in order of love: Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox.
This one’s a no-brainer, I’m Bears ALL THE WAY. It’s the only reason I keep cable TV to watch football.
What’s on tap for 2025?
2025 is all about new business growth both for Barkley-OKRP and Putney. It’s about adapting to change while holding onto and believing in the possibility that’s all around us.
Twilight Zone moment: You have a chance to be magically transported to either The Bear, The Chi or Chicago Fire. Choose.
The Bear.
To see others on The Reel Black List, click here.
ALSO READ:
Reel Black List Spotlight: Terrence Burrell, Creative Director
