Meet Yates Holley | Executive Producer & Film Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yates Holley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yates, what is the most important factor behind your success?

The ability to endure failure and learn from it is the cornerstone of my success. While building WORKPRODUCT, I firmly believed in the mantra that success doesn’t come from merely accepting “good enough.” Instead, it’s about maintaining a relentless pursuit of improvement and growth. This principle has been integral in shaping our brand’s identity and allowed us to incorporate diverse perspectives into the work we produce.

One of my guiding philosophies is aptly captured in the quote, “The master of the art of living makes little distinction between work and play, labor and leisure.” This reflects my belief that it becomes an integral part of your lifestyle when you’re truly passionate about what you do. This fusion of passion and dedication has driven me and the WORKPRODUCT brand to reach new heights and deliver top-notch work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I recently co-founded WORKPRODUCT, a tech-forward production studio working with a multidisciplinary force of artists working in VFX, animation, design, and live-action to create global brand campaigns. The thought process behind establishing the creative studio was rooted in the idea of curating a portfolio of projects that resonated with me personally and professionally.

Starting my own business gave me control over the work I surround myself with. I enjoy the autonomy that comes with building a creative venture from the ground up – enabling me to build on my professional career on my own terms.

Beyond personal fulfillment, I also realized that running my own business presented an opportunity to contribute to the growth and advancement of not just myself, but those around me. Through WORKPRODUCT, our team could foster an environment of collaboration and creativity that not only pushed my career forward but also provided a platform for others to thrive and showcase their talents. This collaborative ethos also extended to my involvement with the artist collective Rideview, where we focused on creating cutting-edge visual content for the automotive industry, blending photo-real CGI with real-time technology.

In essence, building my own business wasn’t just about pursuing my passions—it was about crafting a space where innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven work could flourish.

Coming to lessons – throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some of the best talents in the industry, and their expertise and dedication have played a pivotal role in my journey. Whether working with global brands or managing a team, I’ve learned the importance of maintaining strong, positive relationships. Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of decision-making. In the world of creativity, there are often moments when you must make critical decisions quickly. While it’s natural to reflect on what could have been, it’s essential not to become paralyzed by indecision. Sometimes, making the best decision you can at the time is what propels you forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d like to thank to my girlfriend Kimaya for keeping me healthy, and also a big shout out to Well Seasoned Nutrition (https://www.wellseasonednutrition.com/) for their role in my well-being.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout-out to my business partners John Kim for inspiring me everyday!

Website: www.workproduct.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yatesholley