Backyard Productions Signs New Midwest And East Coast Representation

Backyard Productions welcomes Nathan Skillicorn of Heart, Brains and Nerve for Midwest representation, and Perry Schaffer and Corey Rogers of Schaffer/Rogers for East Coast representation. Backyard’s founder, Roy Skillicorn, who recently rejoined the
company as Managing Director & CMO, was immediately tasked to evaluate and secure representation in both key markets. He sought to complement Backyard’s existing West Coast representation helmed by Doug Sherin and Kimberly Griswold of Options Inc. Critical to the search was finding representation that matched Option’s work ethic, enthusiasm, honesty, and willingness to embrace new models of production execution in the rapidly evolving advertising arena.

Prior to recruiting Roy Skillicorn, Kevin Allodi, President & CEO of Backyard’s parent company Philo Media, had already set his sights on Nathan Skillicorn to fill the Midwest slot, having been clued in to Nathan’s drive and business acumen by others in the Chicago production community. “I was blown away, very impressed by the number of quality creative opportunities Nathan immediately began presenting to us -- even while we were actively interviewing other firms! It was indicative of what we’d hoped Nathan would bring to the table, and he hasn’t disappointed.”

Similarly, Schaffer/Rogers was also fast out of the gate in the East Coast. Roy goes on to say, “Having successfully worked with me previously, at Seed, all three were able to hit the ground running for us at Backyard. All our reps are down with the most current business trends; they market creatively and out of the box, securing projects originating from both agencies and directly from clients.”

Allodi observes that, “Both markets have enjoyed significantly increased lead activity since Nathan, Perry and Corey have come onboard, many of which have already led to bids and awards.”

Heart, Brains & Nerve and Schaffer/Rogers were quick to add Backyard to their roster of companies. Having retained many of the support systems, practices and the philosophy deployed during Skillicorn’s original tenure at Backyard, the reps found the environment there to be very familiar to their current working relationship with Roy at Seed.

Skillicorn could not be happier, noting, “I get to work with the best, most progressive, culturally relevant reps that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Schaffer and Rogers have been loyal, diligent partners since Seed’s time as a startup, recently helping land a seven-figure project that won a Lion at Cannes. They were quick to understand each of the Backyard directors’ distinctivenesses and strengths and began making appropriate director reels and sales pitches. I’ve also had the good fortune to work side by side with my son since he began in the industry, and I know him to be one of the most astute, caring, honest and well-liked reps in the business.

Being able to bring on people I know well, and have worked with previously, has allowed me to quickly focus on generating sales opportunities.”

Nathan Skillicorn adds, “I grew up with Backyard being prominent in our home and around the kitchen table. From discussions of marketing and branding to events and shoots, I observed firsthand the fun my father had working in this business. Having Backyard back in our lives is an unexpected and amazing opportunity, especially so for Roy, and I look forward to bringing my skills and energy to help guide Backyard to even greater heights.”

Schaffer and Rogers agree, saying, “We are proud to continue working with Roy and expanding our relationship to include Backyard’s unique and innovative global talent. We love this group and are committed to marketing them with the fierce energy they deserve.”