I don’t like to be followed but I make an exception for social media. Let’s connect! 

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Brian Shields Biography

My passion is telling stories. I’ve been writing in marble notebooks since I was a kid. 

While my career began in the sports marketing department of Acclaim Entertainment, I was also the copywriter and content strategist for the brands I managed. That work has beamed me across spectrums of sports, entertainment, technology, and not-for-profit.

My pen has created and captured voices for global brands (WWE, Canon, Pricewaterhouse Coopers) and icons (Derek Jeter, Shaquille O’Neal, George Foreman, and “Nature Boy” Ric Flair). From writing copy promoting a Facebook Live Q&A and contest on Instagram, to a digital technology series on YouTube and Amazon, I build trust with people of all backgrounds and ages. My work has been translated into several languages. 

I’ve also written character dialogue for video games. 

My marketing experience helps create stronger collaborations across departments and organizations. I have been the client – and – the agency.

In addition, I teach Digital Marketing and Social Media at Long Island University, Post Campus. Would you like to sit in on a class?

EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

  • Copywriting, storytelling, digital content creation/strategy, and branding leadership for B2C and B2B audiences spanning the technology, consumer electronics, governance, non-profit, entertainment, and sports industries

  • Transform complex ideas into clear, creative concepts that inspire audiences

  • Included areas: brand voice, video scripts, web, mobile, eCommerce, email, product tours, digital/social media content, point-of-sale, displays, brochures, packaging, event signage, style guides, and customer support materials

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, creative directors, technical staff, and manage outside agencies to ensure each project fulfills targeted business needs

  • A New York Times Best Selling author and Adjunct Professor who leads global content creation from concept to completion – my work has been translated into several languages

COPYWRITING & CORPORATE BRANDING EXPERIENCE

MIGHTY PEN & SWORD, LLC., New York, NY, Jan 2013 – Present

Principal

  • Grow relationships with client’s target audiences via copywriting and digital content creation: web, social media, email, video production, branding strategies, and scripts

  • Write video scripts, create concepts, and work with talent

  • Present creative briefs, concepts, and completed pieces to clients

  • Lead cross-functional teams and establish best practices

  • Work with UI and UX designers on flow of web pages and copy

  • Collaborate with partners on content investment decisions, budgets, allocation of resources, project timelines, and KPI tracking

  • Partners include: Pricewaterhouse Coopers, the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Langone – Long Island, Take-Two Interactive, and World Wrestling Entertainment

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (Post Campus), Brookville, NY, Jan 2015 – Present

Adjunct Professor – School of Communications and Film

  • Social Media Tools: Core components of social media along with current and emerging networks, blogs, personal branding, crisis communications, real-time marketing, live video, and community management

  • Digital Marketing Tools: Principles of digital marketing, with an emphasis on email marketing, SEO, mobile, branded content, CRM, eCommerce, and social media

THE DOE FUND, INC., New York, NY, Jun 2012 – Jan 2013

Writer, Director of Communications

  • Led the communications team in the creation of digital copy, social media content, TV commercial and video scripts, advertising, and press releases

  • Led scriptwriting, production, branding, and dissemination of short film, Operation Opportunity, to raise money for homeless U.S. military veterans

  • Created content strategy for organization’s Facebook, twitter, and YouTube pages 

CANON USA, INC., Lake Success, NY, Jan 2006 – Jun 2012

Writer, Marketing Communications Specialist, ITCG Printer Marketing

  • Wrote all copy for consumer marketing communications including: web, email, mobile, social media, brochures, in-store displays, and point-of-purchase materials

  • Created exclusive digital content including copy, product tours, and feature videos for retail partners such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target

  • Worked with cross-functional teams to create strategy and content for the launch of Canon’s YouTube page

  • Led the production, scripting, and launch of more than 40 corporate branding, product, and influencer videos, and managed $500K production budget

  • Presented current and future product lines to consumers, members of the press, sales, advertising, and in-store marketing agencies

  • Led team presentations at Canon Inc. (parent company in Japan) on U.S. business performance, marketing communications materials, and market trends

WWE, INC., Stamford, CT, August 2004 – November 2005

Consultant: Marketing, New Business, Licensing, and Consumer Products

  • Collaborated with VP Business Development to create and launch the WWE Legends program for the consumer products business

  • Wrote executive speeches and talent bios for WWE talent appearances

  • Managed project budget, talent relationships, contract/payment status, and contact database

ACCLAIM ENTERTAINMENT, INC., Glen Cove, NY, 1998 – 2004

Brand Manager, 2001 – Aug 2004 / Associate Brand Manager, 2000 – 2001

Marketing Coordinator, 1999 – 2000 / Marketing Intern, 1998 – 1999

  • Wrote copy for product video scripts, online content, packaging, and in-store retail displays for NBA JAM, NFL Quarterback Club, All-Star Baseball, and Legends of Wrestling

  • Wrote dialogue for Derek Jeter, George Foreman, Brett Favre, and Hulk Hogan

PUBLISHED BOOKS

  • Shields, B. and D. Miller. 35 Years of WrestleMania. New York: DK Publishing, September 2019. Amazon Link

  • Shields, Brian. Second Nature: The Legacy of Ric Flair and the Rise of Charlotte, New York: St. Martin’s Press, September 2017. Amazon Link

  • Shields, Brian. 30 Years of WrestleMania. New York: DK Publishing, September 2014. Amazon Link

  • Shields, B. and K. Sullivan. WWE Encyclopedia: Updated & Expanded.  New York: DK Publishing, November 2012. Amazon Link

  • Shields, Brian. DK Readers Series Level 3: Triple H and John Cena. New York: DK Publishing, October 2009. Amazon Link ; Amazon Link;

  • Shields, B. and K. Sullivan. WWE Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to World Wrestling Entertainment. New York: DK Publishing, March 2009. New York Times Best Selling Book. Amazon Link

  • Shields, Brian. Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80’s. New York: Simon & Schuster, November 2006. Amazon Link

EDUCATION

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, New York, NY

  • Professional Certification – Sports, Entertainment, and Live Event Marketing

 

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, Garden City, NY

  • Bachelor of Arts – Business Administration