Scott Gardenhour

Scott Gardenhour (born March 10, 1961) is the co-founder and executive producer of the Emmy award-winning commercial production house, The Institute.

Gardenhour began his career as an independent producer before joining Propaganda Films, the prolific music video and film production house that launched the careers of Michael Bay, David Fincher, David Lynch, Spike Jonze and Mark Romanek, to name a few. Working closely and consistently with Bay, a then young director hoping to break into the commercial world, Gardenhour honed his skills collaborating on numerous large-scale music video projects before producing Bay's seminal, award-winning "Aaron Burr" and "Baby Cat" spots for the original 'Got Milk?' campaign. That same year Bay was awarded the DGA's Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for their work together.

Gardenhour went on to become Executive Producer, and then Vice President of Propaganda's Commercial Division. Having led one of the world's most influential production houses to be recognized with the industry's highest honor, the Palme D'Or for the best production company at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, while becoming a seasoned producer in the process, Gardenhour made the decision to branch out on his own.

In 2001, Gardenhour and Bay's collaboration continued with the opening of The Institute, a commercial production company founded on their shared belief that the discipline of advertising could be effectively applied to the big business of entertainment. From the top grossing film of all time, Pearl Harbor, to Armageddon, Coyote Ugly and Transformers, his impressive blockbuster credits are proof that he's on to something. Gardenhour will be the first to tell you that, because of his experience in the commercial world, he approaches the movie business from a disciplined brand perspective. This philosophy and approach is more relevant now than ever with the evolution of branded entertainment and new media. With a roster that speaks to his vision, Gardenhour has curated an impressive roster of talent that ranges from Top Gear USA director and BAFTA Brit to Watch, Rupert Smith, to acclaimed film director Tim Story.

Since opening their doors eleven years ago, Scott has guided successful campaigns for the likes of Audi, Nike, AT&T and Toshiba, including the Emmy Award-winning commercial, 'Required Reading', for Hallmark that originated as a spec spot, concepted and created by The Institute.

He has been invited by The Wharton School of Business to discuss the discipline of brands and the value that holds to Hollywood as a means to successfully develop, produce and and market entertainment products.

Gardenhour finished shooting photography as Executive producer on Bay's next film, Pain and Gain, set for release in Spring 2013, and is in pre-production on the upcoming feature film, "Theseus" with Kira Madallo Sesay's company Kalliope Films. He is also producing the upcoming 3D feature film Hansel and Gretel in 3D.