By: Katelyn Storms Rizer
This Sunday, a Kelley grad will see his dream come to reality. We had the opportunity to sit down with Jay Mattingly and learn about his exciting experience and the way Super Bowl 50 will be like no other.
What is your title and who do you work for?
I’m an account manager at an advertisement agency named Omelet.
We know you are a Kelley graduate, but what was your major and when did you graduate?
I majored in marketing and graduated in 2009 from the Indianapolis campus.
Where did you grow up and where are you living now?
I was born and raised on the east side of Indianapolis but now reside in Los Angeles.
Tell us a little bit about the commercial you created.
Pokemon turns 20 in 2016. To kickoff the yearlong celebration, Pokemon asked us to create a spot that celebrated its fans and legacy on the biggest possible stage–the Super Bowl. In the commercial, you see “trainers” across the world working hard to become great at their passions and inspiring others to do the same. The spot culminates with an epic Pokemon battle to announce the brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
What was your role in creating this commercial?
As the account manager, I acted as the liaison between Pokemon and our agency team. I was responsible for pushing for Omelet’s creative vision and also ensuring the client’s voice was always heard so that we arrived at a final product both Pokemon and Omelet would be proud to show the world.
How does team work play a part in creating a Super Bowl commercial?
Without a strong and united team, the spot wouldn’t have been possible. No project happens in a vacuum. I relied on a handful of incredibly talented creatives, strategists, producers, and supervisors all working as one team to ensure we make something incredible, on time, and within budget.
What has been your favorite part of this experience?
When you’re in the trenches on such a massive project, it’s really hard to step back and take a moment to truly appreciate what you’re doing. Once the spot went live online, we saw incredible public reaction. Knowing our little team made that happen was my favorite part of the process.
How did your time at Kelley help propel you to where you are now?
Beyond the backbone of knowledge and real-world experiences, Kelley taught me that I’m not supposed to have all the answers and that I should surround myself with people who do. I always felt that my Kelley professors and advisers were accessible and willing to help, and they often pointed me in the direction of others who could enhance my knowledge. Those experiences taught me that surrounding yourself with the right people makes getting things done much easier.
What advice do you have for current Kelley students?
Embrace the opportunity to work with and manage different personalities on group projects. In my field, what you’re doing is important, but your ability to work with others dictates what you will get to do.
When can we anticipate seeing your commercial during the game?
Look for it just after half time!
Finally, what is next for Jay Mattingly?
My agency is fantastic in that it’s always giving me great opportunities to do amazing work. Hopefully, you’ll see more of that work in the near future, assuming you don’t skip the commercials.