Where I’ve Worked

Consultant Creative, freelance – 2022 to present

www.andrewgillingwater.co.uk
I am a hard-working, innovative and business-savvy creative with a proven ability to combine the written word with compelling visuals and data insights to create powerful and inspiring content.

Creative Content Director, Foxtrot Papa – 2014 to 2022

Direct, manage and inspire a team of editors, strategists and designers, plus a roster of award-winning contributors, to create head-turning content that makes a difference. I work across campaign concepts, brand development, video content, pitches and storyboards.

Clients Odlo, Shell, Castrol, Longines, Honda, Hackett, Jaguar Land Rover, GM and Ford.

Awards

  • Gold CMA 2017 – Best Use of Print in a Multimedia Campaign

  • Shortlist D&AD 2017 – Publishing and Photography

  • Highly Commended 2016 – Drum Design Awards

  • Winner International Motor Film Awards 2016 – Best Animated Film

Senior Editor, Daily Mail, DMG Media – 2012 to 2014

Responsible for bringing to life the features section inside Mail Plus – the cutting-edge digital version of the Daily Mail. Tasks involved editing the daily paper content into a tablet-friendly format, managing and coaching a team of freelancers and ensuring highest possible standards of grammar, accuracy, spelling and syntax.

Senior Editor (freelance), Northstar – 2006 to 2012

Responsible for the content, photography, budgets and timings across a variety of magazines and websites. I also planned video content across a variety of digital platforms. 

Clients Audi, Watches of Switzerland, Alfa Romeo, Goodwood Festival of Speed & Revival.

Awards

  • APA Winner 2012 – Best Brochure

  • APA Winner 2011 – Best Specialist Communication

Global Automotive Editor (freelance), Story Worldwide – 2006 to 2009

Producing award-winning content and working with partners in USA, Japan and the UK to develop global stories and campaigns.

Awards

  • APA Winner 2008 – Most Effective Automotive Title

Editor, BMW Magazine, Cedar Communications – 2004 to 2006

Team leader, managing copy production, organising photoshoots, presenting ideas and new-business concepts.

Group Editor, Autosport Special Projects, Haymarket – 2000 to 2004 

Head of department overseeing production of magazines, yearbooks, websites and supplements for a host of automotive clients and F1 teams.

Skills

  • Highly conceptual and strategic creative thinker with the ability to generate big ideas to work across multiple platforms.

  • Strong leader who is highly inclusive and collaborative.

  • Adept at using data and marketing insights to inform decision-making.

  • Huge ‘black book’ network covering writers, digital consultants, videographers, producers, motion graphics editors, designers and account managers.

  • Confident copywriter, both short and long form copy.

  • Experienced script writer and storyboard editor.

  • Many years’ experience creating digital assets, static and dynamic, for film and social assets.

  • Comprehensive understanding of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Bridge and Google Slides.

  • Can work in a team or autonomously.

  • Passionate about photography and the use of imagery to create
    head-turning creative.

  • Confident and very experienced presenter, working with board-level clients.

Education

  • NVQ Level 4 Periodical Journalism, Journalism Training Centre, Surrey

  • BSc (Hons) Geography, Coventry University 

  • 3 A Levels, Paston VI Form College, Norwich

What I Love Doing

Sport! I’m much better at watching it on TV than I am playing it (just ask my friends!). I’m also a qualified football referee, which means I’m the man in the middle every Sunday for my son’s U13 football team. I also run 10ks and half-marathons for charity and, when time allows, I love cooking and trying out new recipes.

References

Andrew was a key player as a senior creative, copywriter and content creator at Foxtrot Papa for many years. His range is extensive - automotive, lifestyle, technology, CSR and more. From diligent, well-researched and beautifully written copy to handling a brief, generating ideas and treatments, and even bringing content to life on location, Andrew covered every base. I’d happily recommend him!
— Matthew Franey, CEO, Foxtrot Papa
Andrew is a consummate professional. Always a pleasure to work with, Andrew is a multi-talented, cross platform creative, bursting with good ideas and good humour. Challenge him and he’ll over deliver in a gracious way that makes you feel it was your idea all along.
— Carol Bronze, Editorial Director, Publicis Blueprint
Having worked with Andrew for many years, he remains my first choice for any automotive content assignments. There’s no doubting his passion for all things automotive, but he can also write in a very balanced way in response to a client brief. Andrew’s never let me down on a deadline – you can trust him to deliver and to add value with editorial flair, integrity and commitment to the brief.
— Pippa Turnbull, Marketing Manager, BMW UK
Andrew is a hard-working, ideas-driven CD who approaches tasks with enthusiasm, flair and passion. I always found him great to work with and would recommend him highly.
— Simon Hobbs, CEO Bookmark Content & Communications