About

Data needs a soul.

Creative Director for B2B SaaS and tech, based in Istanbul.

Mani Dastgerdi, Creative Director
20 years
video, brand and campaign work
8 people
studio built from zero
Istanbul
open to remote
EU, UK, US, MENA
where the clients are

The customer is a character with a desire he doesn't always admit.

Most brands don't have a content problem. They have a translation problem.

The work comes out like a filmmaker's, because that's the language of attention.

Read the whole story

Data needs a soul. That line made my choice for me. Not chasing the box office, but bringing its craft somewhere it's almost never used. Business.

For twenty years I moved between these two worlds, working out how they connect. I learned to map business onto the logic of cinema: the customer is a character with a desire he doesn't always admit. The things a brand must never say are often louder than the things it says. Authenticity isn't a nice-to-have. In film and in business alike, it's the line between something people believe and something they scroll past. These aren't things a mind trained only in business tends to see.

Most brands don't have a content problem. They have a translation problem. The product is good. The data is real. But somewhere between the spreadsheet and the screen, the meaning leaks out. What's left is noise that nobody watches to the end. My job is to find what your brand is actually saying, and make sure it survives the trip to your audience.

I talk to you like a businessman, because that's the language of the decision. The work comes out like a filmmaker's, because that's the language of attention. I'm not here to make you a video that nobody dislikes. I'm here to make the one your audience can't ignore.

Experience
2025 - PresentCreative & Visual Content Specialist Mind the Product
2023 - PresentCreative Director & Video Strategist Freelance, global clients
2024 - 2025Senior Producer & Video Creative Lead WeQual, London
2023 - 2024Art & Creative Director CULT Powerhouse, Istanbul
2021 - 2023Art Director & Team Lead EBDE DEMP, Istanbul
In their words
I had the opportunity to work with Mani on the development of a B2B launch video for Buldak'new product reveal in Europe. Buldak is the viral Korean instant noodle brand, owned by Samyang Foods, that has now become a true global phenomenon. The task was challenging: how to present the new product in a way that was both clear and compelling to a target of professional decision-makers, specifically category managers from major European retail chains. What stood out most when collaborating with Mani was his ability to transform complex business and market information into a clear and engaging narrative. Throughout the project, he combined creativity with a structured approach, making the project both efficient and enjoyable. He was reliable, responsive to feedback, and always focused on finding the right balance between storytelling and business objectives. I would be happy to work with Mani again on future projects.
Stefano Tiozzo, Product and Trade Marketing Manager, Buldak B2B launch videoStefano TiozzoProduct and Trade Marketing Manager, Buldak B2B launch videoRecommendation on LinkedIn, June 2026
Working with Mani on the Buldak new product launch showed me what creative direction actually means. He didn't just edit footage. He built the entire narrative architecture from scratch, translating complex B2B data into a commercial that moved people. What stood out was how he used AI tools not as a shortcut, but as a creative instrument. The result had the precision of data and the pull of a real story. If you have a pitch, a product, or an idea that needs to stop being information and start being something people actually feel, Mani is the person to call.
Hanna Sung, International Marketing Manager, Buldak new product launchHanna SungInternational Marketing Manager, Buldak new product launchRecommendation on LinkedIn, June 2026
Mani is a talented video effects editor and a great collaborator. He’s been a massive help in us enhancing our weekly podcast series. He’s a very experienced, skilful, and communicative partner and it’s been a pleasure working with him long term. His ability to experiment with new ideas, whilst also being positive to feedback is very much appreciated.
Louron Pratt, Senior Editor, Mind the ProductLouron PrattSenior Editor, Mind the ProductRecommendation on LinkedIn, November 2025
I had the pleasure of managing Mani during his time as a Video Editor and Designer at WeQual, and he was an absolute standout member of the creative team. In every project, Mani brought an impressive mix of creativity, reliability, and technical curiosity, always pushing ideas further and experimenting with new tools and technologies to elevate our work.
Peter Chiodo, Brand & Design Manager, WeQualPeter ChiodoBrand & Design Manager, WeQualRecommendation on LinkedIn, October 2025
Mani produced high-quality, engaging video content that brought real value to our projects and helped us communicate our message clearly. He was reliable, professional, and easy to work with, qualities that make a big difference when delivering under tight deadlines.
Mark Bateman, Founder & CEO, WeQualMark BatemanFounder & CEO, WeQualRecommendation on LinkedIn, July 2025
Mani has this rare gift for turning big, abstract ideas into stories that really land - cinematic, memorable, and always beautifully crafted. He’s not just technically brilliant; he deeply understands how to connect with an audience and bring a brand’s personality to life.
Katie Litchfield, Founder of WeQual (2018 to 2025), Partner at Norman BroadbentKatie LitchfieldFounder of WeQual (2018 to 2025), Partner at Norman BroadbentRecommendation on LinkedIn, July 2025
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Mani at WeQual, and I can say without hesitation that he’s one of the most creative, generous, and genuinely lovely people I’ve ever worked with. Mani brings fresh ideas, energy, and heart to every project. He’s always ready to experiment, push boundaries, and try something new. Just as importantly, he’s the first to lend a hand and support the team. If you’re looking for a creative video producer who cares about the work, the people, and the end result, you won’t find anyone better than Mani.
Libby Crossland, Board & C-suite career positioning, LVCoLibby CrosslandBoard & C-suite career positioning, LVCoRecommendation on LinkedIn, July 2025
Mani was the behind the scenes wizard of the winner video/reels announcements of the last (and best) three chapters of the WeQual Awards. Campaigns that were not just critical to the company but close to the hearts of the Finalists and everyone involved. They were flawless and seen by millions. It was a pleasure to work with him.
Ali Delecia, Office & Travel Management, WeQual AwardsAli DeleciaOffice & Travel Management, WeQual AwardsRecommendation on LinkedIn, July 2025