Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2020 Reel Women During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Get ready.
With over 20+ years of award-winning creative and video production experience, Snake Roth oversees all production at MARC USA. Before joining MARC USA, she worked at large global agencies such as FCB, Energy BBDO, VML and Digitas as well as boutique creative agencies — always adding creative value and ensuring high production value regardless of project size.
Snake has worked in every category imaginable for leading brands including include KFC, VW, Dow, Kraft, Gatorade, the NHL, Whirlpool, Harley Davidson, Visa, Bayer, Miller Coors, Kmart, Wrigley, SC Johnson, Rite Aid, Carle Foundation Hospital, True Value Hardware and just about every Chicago sports team.
Snake’s commitment to the community and causes that matter led her to co-founding KnowNo.us, a movement to create broad awareness of sexual consent before MeToo. KnowNo has spread globally and been adopted on campuses across the country and around the world.
What did you originally want to be when you grow up?
I would have said a singer – my mother would have said a lawyer because I refused to let anyone else have the last word.
How did you get into advertising?
I went to art school and landed in advertising. I’ve worked in big agencies and small and have worn many hats within this industry. I even had my own agency for a time managing the 10thlargest airline in the country. I like to say it took an entire big agency (Publicis) to replace me.
Who were your mentors?
In the production world – Connie Butler. She allowed me to take the lead when I was so green – to make mistakes but make sure I owned up to them and to trust my instincts with directors, editors and talent.
And there are countless directors, editors, engineers, etc. that each gave me a nugget of their knowledge along the way.
What is your greatest achievement?
My biggest achievement is creating the Know No Foundation along with Stephanie Franke, I can’t mention Know No without the contributions of Robert Stockwell, Carly Arden and Tommy Crossen – Robert brought the original concept to life, Carly gave us an identity and Tommy created the test that no one should fail. The work and message reached a global audience and allowed folks who were previously silent about their own assault experience a voice.
What is your biggest disappointment?
There are definitely a few jobs out there that I really wanted and didn’t land but I am glad for the road I traveled.
ALSO READ: MORE REEL WOMEN
What are your biggest pet peeves?
Work related:
Lack of respect for the craft of our industry and the people that do it.
When fear is in the driver’s seat of all decisions.
Non work related:
People talking on cell phones in public restroom stalls.
What are your predictions for the film industry over the next decade?
I am writing this in the middle of a full-on pandemic – I have no idea where the hit will come and the talent that will be lost. I can only hope that everyone in our community stays healthy so that when this all has passed we can get back to doing great work that feeds the creative community and that revitalizes the economy.
Name a job you had that would surprise people.
I worked for a paparazzi company in Honolulu. I was TMZ before TMZ. I wasn’t very good at it.
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Who plays you in your life story?
Tiffany Haddish, Awkwafina, Melissa McCarthy or Tracey Ullman would be supercool.
What do you wish you had more time to do?
I don’t think my brain is wired to allow for free time but any spare minute I have I hang with the savages (My 6-year old twin nephews River & Forest). My friends wish I would write a memoir or created a reality show about my family.
Do you talk to yourself?
It usually ends up in an argument – but yes.
What inspires you to be creative?
Passion is inspiring – it doesn’t have to be in the creative field. Scientists, gardeners, kids playing video games, artists, musicians and activists. When people are so truly passionate about something it’s contagious.
