From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the glittering world of Hollywood marketing, Elif Balci is swiftly establishing herself as one of the most promising young producers in entertainment marketing. Known for her creative intuition and hands-on leadership, Balci has already contributed to campaigns for some of the biggest films in recent years, including Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2, one of 2024’s most emotionally resonant and widely celebrated releases.
After earning her degree from the University of San Diego, Balci laid a strong foundation through internships at WPP, TBWA, Elle Magazine, and the Clio Awards. She then joined Tiny Hero—one of the entertainment industry’s most acclaimed marketing agencies—where she began her career as a production assistant. Over time, she grew into a producer role, taking part in high-profile campaigns for Avatar: The Way of Water, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Amsterdam, Peter Pan & Wendy, and The Little Mermaid. But it was Inside Out 2 that stood out as a meaningful milestone.
Working alongside the award-winning team at Tiny Hero and in close collaboration with Disney and Pixar, Balci helped shape the creative direction for the film’s digital, out-of-home, and home entertainment campaigns. “I was very hands-on throughout the entire process—especially when shaping the creative vision early on—and remained involved through to the final stages,” she says. Her role included managing deliverables, interpreting client feedback, and ensuring that the creative output was both emotionally resonant and strategically sharp.
That emotional core was a key challenge for the team. “Inside Out 2 is a highly emotional, character-driven film, so we wanted the marketing to reflect that while still being entertaining,” Balci explains. “I approach each project from a consumer perspective—because I am one too—and always ask, ‘Would this connect with me emotionally while still being fun?’” One spot that resonated deeply featured the character Fear saying, “Feeling FOMO?”—a moment that cleverly blended the film’s emotional themes with relatable humor.
Throughout the campaign, Balci worked closely with Tiny Hero’s editors, designers, and finishing team, while maintaining a strong dialogue with Disney and Pixar. “It was truly an incredible experience,” she shares. “The collaboration with both our internal team and the brilliant minds at Pixar was inspiring. Their attention to detail and their passion for storytelling really elevated the entire process.”
The campaign’s success was reflected not only in audience response but also in critical recognition. Inside Out 2’s marketing earned three Clio Entertainment Awards and won two Golden Trailer Awards. “These recognitions affirm that the creative risks we take are resonating,” Balci says. “It’s incredibly validating to have the hard work and passion that goes into every piece acknowledged by the industry.”
Among all the creative highlights, it was the out-of-home billboards that brought an especially proud moment. “There’s something magical about seeing your team’s work out in the real world,” Balci recalls. “My mom was visiting me recently, and as we walked through The Grove, we saw one of our Inside Out 2 billboards. It was a total ‘Mom, I made it’ moment.”