Powerhouse filmmakers and brand storytellers, John Godsey and Anthony “Chusy” Haney-Jardine visited ETSU to speak with students in the Brand and Media Strategy graduate program, along with others across the college. Far more than filmmakers, Godsey and Chusy are two of the most influential creative forces working in brand storytelling today, bringing global experience and award-winning work that has shaped both advertising and modern pop culture.
Godsey, Chief Creative Officer at VML, leads creative for one of the world’s largest integrated agencies, home to more than 30,000 employees and trusted by global brands such as Coca-Cola, Ford, SC Johnson, and Kimberly-Clark. Over the course of his career, he has produced nearly 100 Cannes Lions and helped create iconic branded films and campaigns, including acclaimed work for Wendy’s and Tennessee Tourism.
Chusy, an internationally recognized filmmaker, has directed more than 150 films and branded pieces, earning honors from Sundance, Cannes, Rotterdam, and top industry award shows. His narrative feature Anywhere USA won Sundance’s Special Jury Prize, and his work has been featured everywhere from TED Talks to MTV’s Made.
During their session, they shared insights from their extensive careers, discussing how they use research-driven understanding of audiences to craft compelling and effective brand stories. They emphasized that storytelling is a foundational element that should guide every aspect of our work. Godsey and Chusy screened the trailer for their award-winning documentary, It All Begins With a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter and offered an inside look at the filmmaking process - from interviewing techniques to the creative and technical decisions that shaped the final project. They also showcased a selection of their commercial work, including their iconic Wendy’s campaigns and the viral Tennessee Vacation initiative featuring viewfinders that allow color-blind visitors to experience the state’s fall colors.
Their visit also highlighted the importance of connecting students with leaders actively shaping the industry, offering future strategists and creators the rare chance to learn directly from professionals who are defining modern brand storytelling.
The visit concluded with a Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to ask questions about the industry, creative development, and building a career in media. Both filmmakers/brand storytellers emphasized the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful connections as students prepare to enter the professional world.
