A results-driven visual storyteller, Doug Werby brings international award-winning expertise as a director, editor, and creative director to every project. His work spans commercials, film, television, and social media, where he consistently delivers compelling, high-impact content. Doug embraces all forms of digital and AI mediums to tell innovative stories, guiding clients with a steady hand to achieve their creative vision.
How many years have you been a judge?
10+ years
What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?
Seeing new works from emerging and existing talent.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
An animation stand – motion control camera operator. Image adoration, appreciation and how movement can bring a still image to life.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
Special Olympics sponsored by Bank of America
What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?
Always hustling for new work.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
Story, quality, pacing and execution of the idea.
What are your current roles and responsibilities?
Director, senior editor and Ai prompter.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
I am leveraging my experience in the commercial world to bring a strong sense of entertainment and audience engagement to long-form documentary filmmaking.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?
Good sleep, lots of exercise, travel and attending cultural events like concerts and museums and movies.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
In terms of a career, it’s the only thing that made my heart beat faster. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else and I still feel this way.
In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
While Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly a controversial topic, I prefer to frame it as ‘Augmented Intelligence.’ In my daily professional life, it serves as a powerful tool that enhances my workflow, leading to significant gains in both efficiency and the overall quality of my work.
