Pete Campbell, Creative Director at Wild Card Creative Group

In this episode, host Corey Nathan sits down with Pete Campbell, Creative Director at Wild Card Creative Group and one of the most respected editors and mentors in the trailer industry. From his humble beginnings as a student and babysitter to cutting award-winning trailers and mentoring the next generation of creatives, Pete shares his journey and the craft behind some of the most iconic trailers in Hollywood.

What We Discuss:

• How Pete transitioned from screenwriter to editor to creative director

• Why WDA was a launching pad for so many successful creatives

• What it takes to make a trailer that resonates emotionally and commercially

• Behind-the-scenes insights into campaigns like The Martian, The Post, and Severance

• How Pete balances creative intuition with collaboration and leadership

Episode Highlights:

• 1:00 – Pete talks about his Mad Men namesake and early days in advertising

• 4:00 – From Loyola Marymount to babysitting Kevin Williamson’s twins

• 11:00 – Cutting a spec trailer for Kung Fu Hustle and launching a career

• 16:00 – Why Pete joined AV Squad and how it shaped his creative evolution

• 26:00 – Creative directing as mentorship, not micromanagement

• 34:00 – The story behind The Martian trailer and how quiet moments amplify impact

• 45:00 – Editing The Post and Nick Temple’s critical advice

• 51:00 – The joy of working on The Studio and blending highbrow and madcap comedy

• 60:00 – Pete’s favorite trailers by other editors and what he learned from them

Featured Quotes: "Your job as a creative director is to see that 85% and not put your thumbprints all over it." – Pete Campbell "I’ve had so many moments where I think I’m terrible, and then I pray, and somehow an idea comes that saves the day." – Pete Campbell