2 Minutes With ... Bethany Papenbrock, MD of RSA Films
With over 20 years of experience, Bethany began producing guerrilla marketing and events in New York in 2001. Freelance work followed, as she developed shows and tours for Tribeca Film Festival, Delta Airlines, Microsoft and Nike.
In 2010, Bethany transitioned to an agency role and later joined 180 Amsterdam. She became head of integrated production and expanded 180's post-production unit into a full-service content and TV facility.
At RSA Films EU, Bethany focuses on clients' entertainment needs—from short social clips to long-form programming, leveraging talent within RSA and across the Ridley Scott Creative Group.
We spent two minutes with Bethany to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she's admired.
Bethany, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Home to greats like the Wright Brothers, Dave Chappelle, Nancy Cartwright and Kim Deal. I've lived in Amsterdam for12 years.
How you first realized you were creative.
I was good at talking my way out of things. Never lying, I'm a terrible liar. But I could make a very convincing argument.
A person you idolized creatively early on.
Angela Bower from Who's the Boss. Not that she was necessarily a creative. In fact, no one actually knows what she did at her advertising agency. But she would command a room, point at an easel and use marketing lingo that is surely outdated by now. A real confident powerhouse.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
One day while walking across my university campus, I got it in my head that I wanted to study abroad. Completely out of the blue, I decided on a semester in London. I fell in love with the energy of a big city. Riding the Tube everywhere, all the different people I met, the art and music … it brought me to life. As soon as I got back, I changed my major and booked an internship in New York. I moved there three weeks after graduation.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.
I've been drawn to the storytelling and cinematography of historical dramas such as Pachinko, Napoleon and Oppenheimer.
One of your favorite creative projects you've ever worked on.
Fourteen years ago, I worked on a Facebook campaign for Pacifico Beer. I spent a month on the road, traveling from Mexico to Seattle with the most amazing people, having the best time, taking photos and making films.
A recent project you're proud of.
I'm proud of our non-scripted team at RSA for their recent launch of the Robbie Williams docuseries.
Someone else's work that inspired you years ago.
The Nike "Find Your Greatness" campaign.
Someone else's work you admired lately.
I loved the WeTransfer x Jungle "Back on 74" interactive music video, created and produced by our pals at Whale in Amsterdam. Such incredible collaboration between the creative team and the client.
Your main strength as a creative person.
That I don't consider myself to be one, so I have no filter and no ego.
Your biggest weakness.
Tacos
A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.
Susan Cook, my head of production when I moved to Amsterdam. She had a way of telling me so much by just asking questions and letting me come up with the answers. She has the softest voice in the room, but the one everyone listens to. Kai Hsiung, the global MD at RSA Films is so similar. It's one of the reasons I was keen to take the role of managing director at RSA, as I wanted another opportunity to experience female leadership like that again.
How you're paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.
I try to empower others to put themselves first. If someone needs to be late so they have time for their favorite gym class, a walk through the park, or to do a load of wash, then I know that person showing up is a better, more productive version of themselves. And listen to your gut … always trust the gut!
What you'd be doing if you weren't in advertising.
I'm intrigued by the physical and energetic make up of our human selves, so I'd probably be doing some mix of physio/woo-woo body healing stuff.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
