Thedrum

Caressa Douglas SVP of content & branded integration at Branded Entertainment Network (BEN) knows all about the “deep end.” At 21, she was hired (due to her “aura”) by a product placement company. Unbeknownst to her, the manager who hired her had a partner who was none too excited about her being part of the company and she was told that she had 30 days to close a deal or else. Without any experience, Douglas not only closed the deal, but began a 20+ year path becoming a true leader in the brand and product integration space. LA through and through, Douglas, in her experience, believes that there are truths to some of the sayings out there, especially in her world. Two that leap to mind are “Don’t believe everything you hear” and “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” The former helps in approaching collaboration with producers and directors confidently while the former is part of daily life in Hollywood, where preparation and contingency plans are key. Another part of work that Douglas believes in