THINK BEFORE YOU SHOOT
Most video production starts with a camera. Mine starts with a strategy and an idea. I’m Mitch Alison, a writer, shooter, and editor with 20 years in the advertising industry. I’ve served as a Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi and was a creative on the iconic "Ghost Chips" campaign. I bring that same level of strategic rigour to every project—without the agency overheads
For two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of strategy and creative for some of the world's biggest ad networks, brands and complex government agencies. My work has won Gold at Cannes, a D&AD Yellow Pencil, and the Effie Grand Prix for long-term effectiveness.
I’ve traded the status meetings for a camera and an edit suite because I’m a maker at heart. When you hire me, you get the strategic instincts of a veteran CD and the agility of a filmmaker who actually handles the gear. No layers, no account managers—just direct delivery from one person who understands the whole picture.
Featured Work
Te Puni Kōkiri | Behaviour Change Video CAMPAIGN
Creating effective behaviour change in democratic participation requires more than awareness—it requires a strategy that meets the audience across every touchpoint. Working with Te Puni Kōkiri, I wrote, directed and produced a multi-layered content suite designed to drive Māori youth voter enrolment.
WI didn’t just make a film; I designed a strategic distribution model:
The Hero Film: A cinematic anchor featuring Stan Walker to capture attention and build cultural resonance.
FB Live Strategy: Real-time engagement sessions to answer questions and humanise the democratic process.
Educational Explainers: Clear, "plain language" videos that stripped away the jargon of enrolment.
Short-Form Social Ads: High-frequency, "scroll-stopping" assets designed for reach and retargeting.
Pepsi & Global Brands | High-Impact Social Media Video Content
In the world of short-form video, you have three seconds to stop the scroll. I produce agile, high-energy content for global brands like Pepsi, focusing on "creator-style" authenticity that drives conversion. From TikTok trends to polished Instagram Reels, I handle the writing, shooting, and editing to keep your brand relevant in the digital feed.
Carnival was winning with families but invisible to older couples. Before we touched a camera, we commissioned a national survey to find the "why." The insight: 20% of Australian couples hadn't holidayed without their kids in over five years. We didn't just make a "cruise ad"; we rebranded a demographic. We coined the term "Honeyboomers"—couples reconnecting for a second honeymoon. This project proves that thinking about the audience's pain points is what makes the shooting effective.
Lo&Behold | Contemporary Cultural Content & Documentary STORYTELLING
we built an editorial platform devoted to authentic expression. Lo & Behold wasn't just about showcasing talent; it was about letting real voices tell real stories in their own way. This piece is a study in raw creativity—speaking directly to audiences without being filtered through mainstream media conventions. It’s documentary-style storytelling that hits the cultural pulse.
Carnival Cruise Lines | Strategic Audience Repositioning
Blind CITIZENS NZ | Accessible Video & Inclusive Design
Accessibility is a right, not an option. Having worked with Blind Citizens NZ, I specialise in producing WCAG-compliant video content. This includes Plain Language scripting, high-contrast visual design, and the integration of audio descriptions and closed captions. I ensure your message is accessible to all New Zealanders, regardless of how they consume media.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Think (Strategy & Writing)
Before the gear comes out of the bag, we talk about the why. Who are we talking to? What do we want them to do? Whether it’s a behaviour-change campaign or a brand story, the script is where the results are won.
2. Shoot (Production & Direction)
With a clear plan in place, the shoot is efficient and intentional. I handle the lighting, the audio, and the direction, ensuring the visual style matches the strategic goal. No massive crews, just high-end execution.
3. DELIVER (Editing & Accessibility)
A great video is useless if it’s on the wrong platform. I edit with distribution in mind—optimising for the algorithm, the device, and the user's attention span. From 9:16 TikToks to cinematic campaign hero films, I deliver ready-to-use assets that work across the modern media landscape.
HOW MUCH?
A: 5K
This is just me. I write, I shoot, I edit. Perfect for social-first content, internal updates, or a straightforward interview that needs a professional lens.
B: 15K
We head to a location, bring in props, and I pull in an additional DOP and a Soundie. This is for brand stories, high-end case studies, or TV-quality web content.
C: Whatever it takes.
This is a full-scale creative partnership. Strategy-led, multi-day shoots, complex graphics, and a distribution suite designed to move the needle on a national level.
CLIENT PARTNERSHIPS
AGENCY COLLABORATIONS
I'm not the person to point and shoot. I'm the person you hire when you need someone to ask the right questions, navigate complex cultural contexts, and deliver a final product that actually works. If you want someone to just point and shoot, call the other guys. If you want someone who thinks first—let's talk.