William Chiriboga’s Portfolio
Prepared for NYC Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy
Shaping Stories, Amplifying Voices: A Portfolio of Creativity & Leadership
Firstly, I’d like to thank you, Deputy Mayor Levy, for the engaging and insightful conversation. I’m honored just to be considered for the role and excited by the prospect of contributing to the Mayor's Office creative team. New York City is my home, and this opportunity to use my skills to amplify the voice of our city would mean the world to me.
The following portfolio includes a variety of work that spans different industries, contexts, and moments in my life, both personal and professional. Each of these works showcases skills I’m most proud of, and thus shows how I could be a true asset to the Mayor’s department.
The Art of Adaptation: Forging A Place for “Safe Society”
Co-producing the audiobook drama “Safe Society” with director Chris Shimojima was one of the most out-of-the-box experiences of my career. Originally meant to be a feature film, I worked with Chris to break down the script, creating a full shot list, budget, and shooting schedule. But when the production company we were pitching to wanted to test the audience’s reception first, we had to think fast.
Faced with this challenge, Chris and I brainstormed how to transform the material into a new form of intellectual property. After considering various formats like novels, comic books or animation, we had a breakthrough: an audio drama. The format gave us the freedom to share the story on platforms like Spotify and iTunes while staying true to its core. I reworked the budget for voice actors, remote recording, and AI-generated visuals to add depth.
We held a global casting call, directed performances remotely, and brought in a horror composer to nail the atmosphere. The result? A gripping audio drama that’s now streaming on major platforms and gaining traction. It’s even nominated for multiple awards, including the Signal Awards. I can’t help but, feel a strong sense of pride at how I was able to take existing pieces of art, and adapt them into newer forms of media to achieve specific goals that help support the original. This was one of those moments where creativity, adaptation, and hustle all came together.
P.S.: Check out the website we built for “Safe Society” here: www.safesociety.world - it’s wonderfully done and has great art pieces.
Breaking the Mold: Redefining Cannabis Advertising
In 2013, I ran a creative agency focused on disrupting the uninspired cannabis advertising scene. At that time, ads were predictable - pot clichés, and supermarket-style fliers. There was no conceptual thought behind the creative. I saw the opportunity to position my clients to stand out and above.
Instead of leaning into the stoner aesthetic, I decided to craft advertisements that didn’t immediately scream “MARIJUANA!” I wanted to create ads that highlighted the human element with relatable narratives that resonated beyond typical cannabis users. I wanted people to feel seen, welcomed, and understood at every touchpoint. This fresh approach led me to secure placements in non-cannabis publications and reach broader audiences.
This was a pivotal moment in my career. I identified the trends and stereotypes - broke them, developed a novel approach that better communicated, and built a larger consumer base. I wasn’t just making ads - I was setting a new standard for the industry, pushing the boundaries of perception, and leading by example.
Turning Artistry into Impact: Capturing Kelly Green’s Album “Seems”
I had the opportunity to work intimately with jazz musician Kelly Green, translating her unique artistry into a cohesive creative and visual strategy. I led video production, marketing campaigns, and designed ads that encapsulated every aspect of her up-coming album “Seems.” My work wasn’t just about documenting and repurposing - it was about understanding her story, and creating content that moves audiences.
Through a strategic blend of interview videos, social media content, and geo-targeted ads, I crafted campaigns that expanded Kelly’s reach and secured her a record deal with her top-choice label. I designed the album cover, ensuring it reflected her ethereal presence, and implemented content strategies like POV and recommendation clips.
The project really showcases my ability to take an artist’s vision and turn it into content that connects, drives engagement, and delivers results. Kelly continues to profit from "Seems," and I’m proud knowing our work has had such a lasting impact.
From Script to Screen: Jonathan D’Rozario’s “Clover” & “SIDES”
Two of my favorite short films, “Clover” and “SIDES,” came to life through my collaboration with director Jonathan D’Rozario. We started with “Clover” during the pandemic when everything was on lockdown. Jonathan had written the script, and together we built the film from the ground up, working with a skeleton crew, a shoestring budget, and limited locations. Despite all the restrictions, we pulled it off - winning multiple awards and getting recognition at film festivals.
By 2023, we leveled up with “SIDES.” This time, we had a decent budget and a much larger crew. I turned an empty apartment into a fully realized set and managed everything from casting to scheduling, while also ensuring the team was cared for, even cooking meals for the crew. Over a four-day shoot, we captured everything we needed, pushing ourselves creatively and logistically.
Taking these films from script to screen, I proved my ability to not only execute a vision but also handle every aspect of production - from the creative spark to the technical execution.
Looking Forward
Thank you for taking the time to explore my portfolio. With my background in innovative storytelling and my hands-on approach to production, I believe I can make a substantial impact at the Mayor’s Office. I’m eager to leverage my skills in video production, marketing, and creative strategy to amplify the Mayor’s message and engage New Yorkers in meaningful ways. Together, we can push the boundaries of what's possible and create work that not only informs but inspires. I look forward to the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.
Thank you,
William Chiriboga