We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful James Rayburn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with James below.
James, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?
charlieuniformtango teamed up with new Milwaukee-based agency Hold Fast Co., and Dallas-based creative alliance, “Bill and Todd” (Bill Milkereit, writer and Todd Tucker, art director – both 20+ year veterans of TRG formerly The Richards Group), on a campaign for Johnsonville Sausage just in time for the southern tailgating season last year. The campaign, featuring a full array of TV and radio spots, introduced “The Tongsman” – a heroic figure created by Bill and Todd.
This whole project was a great example of the new marketing world order: Pulling together seasoned talent from different mediums to work together to build a client’s brand with a smaller, more nimble team. It was a great experience for all of us.
James, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For more than 25 years, charlieuniformtango has been an industry leader in film and postproduction. The company delivers results across all mediums – from second screen to silver screen. Its growing roster of international clients includes American Airlines, Abercrombie & Fitch, State Farm, FIAT, GEICO, Jeep, Lexus, McDonald’s, Dr Pepper, Chick-fil-A, H.E.B., Samsung, Susan G. Komen Foundation, JCPenney and Universal Orlando.
The list of Tango’s awards is also growing: National ADDYs, AICE Awards, ANDYs and a Cannes Lion. Additionally, the company’s work has been featured in the Communication Arts Annual and the AICP National Show – for the 20+ Super Bowl spots the company has produced. And Tango’s long-form work has been programmed at premier festivals across the globe, including Sundance, SXSW, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the Leeds International Film Festival.
Independent, integrated, and incomparable, charlieuniformtango operates out of full-service studios in both Dallas and Austin.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The three of us – me, Deedle LaCour, Owner/Senior Editor and Joey Waldrip, Owner/Senior VFX Artist & Colorist – have worked together at charlieuniformtango for more than 20 years, and were friends and creative collaborators even before that. When we made the decision to purchase the company in 2019 from Tango founders Lola Lott and Jack Waldrip, it felt like the right thing to do at the right time. We were all turning 40 and ready to move on to the next phase of our careers and our lives.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Our industry is continually evolving, and we are continually adapting to stay one step ahead. Our innovation is our creativity. The Covid-19 Pandemic made us pivot in how we worked, and we were able to work remotely at the flip of a switch. We invested in virtual editing and collaboration software very early. Technology is a tool that needs to be there, but not in the way of creativity. Our clients will respond to tech, but their response depends upon the creative ways we use it.
Contact Info:
- Website: charlieuniformtango.com