Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, rising star in the entertainment marketing sphere Elif Balci studied at the University of San Diego. After landing a series of impressive internships at companies like WPP, TBWA, Elle, and Clio Awards, she began her professional career as a production assistant for one of the most awarded agencies in the industry, Tiny Hero.
What’s your origin story?
I grew up in Istanbul, Turkey and I came to the U.S. for college in 2018. The captivating power of film and the ability to shape narratives always fascinated me. During college, I eagerly sought out internships that would allow me to immerse myself in the world of entertainment marketing. I had the incredible opportunity to experience the judging process for the 2021 Clio Entertainment Awards.
Shortly after, I landed an internship at the prestigious Clio Entertainment Awards, which led me to my position at Tiny Hero immediately after graduation. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to join one of the most awarded agencies in entertainment marketing.
How did you get into the media industry?
One day I received an email from a professor/mentor in my college about an incredible opportunity to apply to experience the judging process for the 2021 Clio Entertainment Awards. I applied immediately and was lucky to be chosen among hundreds of applicants. This opportunity, provided to me by the organization Spark, changed the course of my career.
Spark provided me with the opportunity to start my career, and ever since then, they have been an incredible support and source of inspiration. I’m so grateful for all the invaluable connections and mentors I have made through this organization.
Who were your mentors?
My mentors are Helen Ahn, Adam Cooper, and Ashley Falls. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support. I’ve also been lucky enough to be part of organizations such as Spark and Soapbox, which are independent collective committed to empowering and promoting women in the entertainment, creative advertising, and marketing industries.
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to work on an array of exceptional projects. Collaborating on blockbuster films like Avatar: The Way of Water, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Amsterdam, Peter Pan & Wendy, and The Little Mermaid has been a dream come true. One particular project that filled me with pride was the Times Square Billboard takeover for The Little Mermaid.
The display caught the attention of millions, and seeing Halle Bailey sharing it on her TikTok account, with over 11 million views, was truly incredible.
REELated:
What shows or films are doing the best job of portraying authentic women?
Hidden Figures was a great movie that portrayed the resilience and determination of women.
Coffee, Lunch or Happy Hour. Who are you going with?
Coffee – Betty White, Lunch- Oprah Winfrey, Happy Hour – Selena Gomez
What is the biggest challenge to women in your industry?
As with most industries, there are still definitely a lot of challenges for women in our industry. I think one of the biggest struggles is the lack of female representation in leadership roles. This perpetuates a male-dominated power structure, making it challenging for women to influence industry standards and shape the narratives being produced.
If being a woman is your superpower, what is your Kryptonite?
Coming off as sensitive or emotional when I express dissent.
When you’re not working, what do you do in your off time?
I spend time with my friends! We love finding different activities to do and exploring new restaurants!
Predict your future! Where are you in 5 years?
Looking ahead, my aspiration is to inspire people through the power of storytelling, nurturing creativity, and fostering empathy. I find my motivation in mentors like Daniela Pierre-Bravo, the founder of Acceso Community, a platform that provides mentorship and resources to women from diverse backgrounds. Daniela’s remarkable journey from being a struggling undocumented immigrant to becoming a successful TV producer and author in America deeply resonates with me.
Her story exemplifies resilience and triumph over adversity, and it is stories like these that I hope to share through my future career in marketing.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
