Scott Gardenhour

Who is Scott Gardenhour?

Scott Gardenhour is the co-founder and executive producer of the Emmy award-winning commercial production house, The Institute.

Gardenhour began his career as an independent producer before joining Propaganda Films, the prolific music video and film production house that launched the careers of Michael Bay, David Fincher, David Lynch, Spike Jonze and Mark Romanek, to name a few. Working closely and consistently with Bay, a then young director hoping to break into the commercial world, Gardenhour honed his skills collaborating on numerous large-scale music video projects before producing Bay's seminal, award-winning "Aaron Burr" and "Baby Cat" spots for the original 'Got Milk?' campaign. That same year Bay was awarded the DGA's Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Commercials for their work together.

Gardenhour went on to become Executive Producer, and then Vice President of Propaganda's Commercial Division. Having led one of the world's most influential production houses to be recognized with the industry's highest honor, the Palme D'Or for the best production company at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, while becoming a seasoned producer in the process, Gardenhour made the decision to branch out on his own.