Industry powerhouse Tracie Norfleet steps into the Managing Director/Executive Producer role at Invisible Collective, a production company and creative studio built for the future. Having connected with Invisible’s founders Mel Jones, Justin Polk, and Stephen Love via ‘mutual work friends, perfect timing and good karma,’ Norfleet was immediately drawn to the integrity of their credo.
“Everyone talks about supporting underrepresented and overlooked talent – but Invisible has it embedded into their manifesto,” Norfleet explains. “They have never been about signing one or two female or BIPOC directors just to have that box checked. They don’t preach or promote diversity and inclusion; they live it. It reveals boldness, and complete commitment – two ideals I inherently gravitate to but unfortunately are in short supply these days.”
Conviction is built into the mission statement of Invisible. Since 2019, the company has delivered on their crusade to create dynamic and authentic work that is culturally reflective of the American and global populations while championing undiscovered, diverse, and innovative talent.
Passion, integrity and a commitment to craft are touchstones of Norfleet’s work ethic. Aligned in their direct, straight-shooter approach, Norfleet brings to Invisible the relationships and expertise gained throughout her career EP-ing at long-established studios.
Indeed, Norfleet is an expert at providing top-level production support, since getting her start answering the phones for legendary director Joe Pytka – an association that spanned over a decade – before moving onto HSI, and RSA Films for the last 16 years. Having worked alongside many of the most highly-regarded directors in the business, Norfleet has produced over 50 Super Bowl commercials, with several reaching the top-ranking spot on USA Today’s Ad Meter.
Now, Norfleet is relishing the opportunity to be on the ground floor of a burgeoning company and to help facilitate its growth. As she says, “Not only do I get to continue my first love of guiding directors’ careers and figuring out the best executional approach to projects, I get to spend more time creating interesting opportunities and developing a supportive working environment for everyone involved in the process. Every single day, the trust the founders have shown in me motivates and inspires me to bring all I have to the party.”
“Tracie will always be a crewmember at heart,” Co-founder/Director Mel Jones enthuses. “She knows how to support the director and creative work, and equally as important, how to establish an inclusive environment for all those behind the camera as well. That’s how great work gets made.”
The visibility factor is paramount for Norfleet, with the goal to not just have Invisible’s stellar work be seen, but equally as important, that their talents feel seen. “It’s a big responsibility, and one – especially after the tumult of the last few years – that I feel uniquely qualified for,” Norfleet remarks. “We need these voices. The idea of working with a new company with an up-and-coming roster can make some clients hesitant. But the diverse talent capital at Invisible combined with my track record proves we’re forging a different path in this business. We’re making it clear we’re here to stay.”
