The Come Up: How Keaton Savage Went From Child Actor to Multidisciplinary Producer
- Text JeanJacques
- Design Fiona Ye
Welcome to The Come Up, Day One Perspective’s series interviewing our staff about how they got their start in advertising — and what inspires their creativity.
If you spend any time in the D1A office, you’ll quickly learn that Keaton Savage, Director of Production, is a total beacon of light. Not only is he an actor and a musician, but he’s also an experienced producer, tackling projects of any budget size with a smile and an air of optimism. Keaton grew up around production, working as an actor from a young age and working at his dad’s production company. For the past few years he’s been working as a producer while also finding time for his personal creative passions. We sat down with Keaton to learn more about his past experiences, his multitude of creative skills and the importance of building community when producing.
When did you realize that you wanted to work in video production?
When I was a child my dad was a movie trailer editor, and when I was 18 he changed careers to start a small production company. After college I worked as a PA for him on tons of tiny-scale toy commercial shoots. My dad had no experience producing so we basically had to teach ourselves how to do everything, and that was often by failing. For example, we wouldn't have a mirror on set because I didn’t know hair and makeup needed that. Many of our shoots called for cheap non-union talent, so I had to teach myself how to run casting sessions on my own — and this is back when they were in-person. So yeah, that's largely how I learned how to produce — by doing, and many times, failing.
Production is always unpredictable and can often be messy, but my philosophy involves caring for people and making sure that the vibe is always fun. I really love that I get to work with and employ extremely talented artists, production designers, gaffers, grips, stylists, DPs and directors. I’m proud of the reputation we’ve created at D1A in the production world. We pay people fairly, treat them with respect, are always laughing. There is a real sense of community on our sets.
How do you think “learning by failing” influenced your career? What advice would you give to others hoping to get into production?
I’m grateful for the environment that I came up in; it wasn’t really the most instructive workplace but it was supportive and fun. We were very scrappy, and I learned how to do things on my own, with very few resources. I think that definitely taught me to problem-solve, but also it gave me a scarcity mindset that I had to unlearn. When I joined Day One, I finally got the opportunity to stretch into bigger jobs and manage people. Day One also provided me with a team so I could ask for help, which has been so valuable. I wish in my first job I had a mentor, someone to teach me structure and things like what a line producer is versus a production manager versus a production coordinator etc.
I wouldn’t suggest “just figuring it out” as a way to build a production skillset, but I think the ethos of letting stressful situations roll off your back and focusing on solutions — that’s something I’m grateful I learned. This mindset has definitely come in handy in all the various kinds of productions we’re doing at Day One and in my personal life.
You mentioned creating a community on set — what inspired you to make that a priority as a producer?
Outside of working with my dad's company, I also did a ton of acting in my 20s (and as a child). I’ve experienced many different kinds of vibes on set both in front of and behind the camera, and It has informed the energy I bring as a producer. I always try to bring a positive, lighthearted and dare I say silly energy, because at the end of the day, a crew is spending a grueling 12-14 hours together to collaborate on making great work — and that's something everyone involved should be able to find joy in.
Did you expect to have a career like this? When you were growing up, did you see yourself as an advertising producer?
No, definitely not. I stumbled upon this career path because of my proximity to the entertainment industry. I’ve been on sets my whole life, and so I’m very comfortable there. I liked the idea of continuing to stay on set, behind-the-scenes, and making the production process easier for actors and everyone involved.
Now, I really value my ability to jump into any role needed and lend a helping hand. Producing really combines a lot of my natural strengths and Day One has really helped me to release my imposter syndrome and step into my power as a producer.
You mentioned before it was important to learn the different types of production roles early in your career. For any aspiring producers, can you describe your job and your day-to-day at Day One?
Half of my job is as a Line Producer on shoots we handle internally — building budgets, hiring crews, working with creatives to ensure the vision is met and then running the sets and making sure it all flows on the shoot days. The other half is acting as an Executive Producer on larger projects (for example the e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration Campaign). Being an EP involves building larger budgets, creating timelines and managing our production partners from a third party production company who is doing all the nitty gritty pieces themselves. Having innate knowledge of being a line producer helps me be a better Executive Producer.
I always say Producing can feel like a game of having a room full of half inflated balloons, and you have to do a graceful dance of making sure everything stays in the air at all times. You have to make sure your crew has what they need to do their job well, and create a space where everyone can laugh about even the most stressful things on set.
Taking a little side step, you recently shared this music video for your latest single. I’d love to hear more about your music and how you balance creative endeavors inside and outside work.
I’m a musician, as well as a currently hibernating actor and screenwriter. I make a point to make time for my music and projects outside of work — it all keeps me going. If you're an artistic or creative person, you can go into periods where you don’t make stuff, where you’re blocked, or you need a break. You have to live life to have material to mine to create things. But I’ve found when I don’t make time for my own art, I feel really sad, so I make time for it.
One of the real gifts of working at Day One is being a part of a community of artists whom I get to make things with at work and outside of it.
I recently shot two live music videos, and was incredibly moved when my D1A production community showed up for me on a no-string budget. I had a vision to create stripped down “Tiny Desk”-ish versions of a couple of my songs, “Fight a Fire” and “Sugar is Sweet.” Day One Director + Photographer Ethan Newmyer and his partner Maria Alvarez, directed it beautifully. I didn’t expect this when I started, but I’m very grateful that I could grow with Day One as a producer and with my own creativity.
It’s a nice bonus to a job I already love doing that I get to enjoy my work and create outside of this.
I’ll be releasing singles over the next few months leading up to my debut album “Eaten” in March of 2025.
