Fried okra – the food – is simple, honest and authentic. We happen to think that’s a good approach to filmmaking, to business, and to life. Back in 2001, though, when we named the company “Fried Okra,” we did it because we like to eat fried okra.  Simple as that.  The metaphors, while completely legitimate, weren’t something we were thinking about at the time.

The “Entertainment” part of the name — well, we grew into that, too.  We put it there when we were thinking big thoughts about the entertainment and engagement value of entertaining advertising engaging consumers….or something like that.  The word,  “paradigm” may or may not have been used.

The point is, entertainment is good.  Whether it’s entertaining advertising (which everybody likes better than the other kind) or entertaining entertainment.

We approach everything we do simply, honestly, and authentically.  Because…well, because that’s how we were raised. That’s how we believe it should be. And because a long time doing this has taught us that you’ll like it better that way. We hope you’ll give us a try.  Because we’re confident that if you do, you’ll be back for more.

Matt Hill

Matt Hill

Executive Producer

Matt may very well be Madison Avenue’s most amiable Executive Producer. His reputation as a champion of top-end creative execution has earned him the respect of peers, colleagues, suppliers and clients across the industry. The Long Island native has produced global campaigns for the likes of Exxon Mobil, Merck Pharmaceutical, Hertz Rent-A-Car, Glidden Paint, Transitions Optical, Electrolux and Hasbro. Matt has produced for DDB, DMB&B, Moss Dragoti, and Griffin Bacal, and has mentored some of the New York advertising industry’s rising stars. As an Executive Producer for Fried Okra, Matt makes sure our process and product exceed everyone’s expectations.

Ernie Mosteller

Ernie Mosteller

Director

In addition to directing several hundred spots, a ton of web content, and a feature-length documentary, Ernie has been a writer, creative director, and interactive creative director on the agency side — working on some of the most recognized brands in the world. Known for his ability to get great performances out of real people and his quirky take on humor, his work transcends categories: From packaged goods like Kool Aid and Hawaiian Punch, to grocery stores, toys for Mattel, to large nonprofits like AmFAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. He is a guest speaker and lecturer for industry and academic groups, including AdvertisingWeek, Media Future Now, and Georgetown University. He’s been a contributing author to two editions of “The Age of Conversation” as well as to “Kleppner’s Advertising Procedure,” the most popular college textbook of Advertising. Ernie lives on a citrus farm in Central Florida with his wife, two kids, and an ever-evolving menagerie of animals. He likes to fish, and for what it’s worth, yes, he loves to eat fried okra.

Rich Rosenfeld

Rich Rosenfeld

Head of Production

Rich intimately understands the balance between business investment and the return on marketing dollars. In his 30 years of experience, Rich has produced in multiple countries, delivering everything from global campaigns for Bud Light to tiny PSAs for local clients. No matter what size production, Rich’s single purpose is to over deliver. In addition to his work in film and media production, Rich is an entrepreneur – having successfully owned, improved, and profited from a string of local businesses. Throughout the creative and production process, Rich is our on-site MBA, whose personal mandate is to use every dollar in a way that has maximum impact on the viewer.