Kali Heitholt, 39, Brings Cinematic Flair to Experiential Marketing

The group creative director at Jack Morton is recognized as a rising star in the industry.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:56pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a variety of polished, geometric objects arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, representing the abstract concepts of creativity, storytelling, and experiential marketing.A curated collection of premium materials and tools used to craft immersive brand experiences that captivate audiences.Los Angeles Today

Kali Heitholt, 39, is the group creative director at Jack Morton's Los Angeles office. With a background in film production and haunted attractions, Heitholt has brought her cinematic expertise to the world of experiential marketing, helping brands create immersive, audience-first experiences that blur the line between marketing and entertainment.

Why it matters

Heitholt's work demonstrates the growing importance of experiential marketing in connecting brands with their target audiences in meaningful, memorable ways. Her ability to translate digital-first properties into physical, participatory experiences showcases the potential for brands to create cultural moments that outlive a single campaign.

The details

Before joining Jack Morton, Heitholt worked in film production and design, as well as directing haunted attractions. She found that traditional media felt too limiting, as it didn't allow the audience to directly participate in the storytelling. In her current role, Heitholt leans into her cinematic background to bridge the gap between brands and their niche fanbases, ensuring that the big idea is supported by an audience-first strategy.

  • Heitholt will turn 40 at the end of 2026.
  • She is currently leading a yearlong anniversary program for the Pokémon franchise.

The players

Kali Heitholt

A 39-year-old group creative director at Jack Morton's Los Angeles office, with a background in film production, haunted attractions, and experiential marketing.

Jack Morton

A global brand experience agency where Heitholt currently works as the group creative director for the West Coast office.

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What they’re saying

“I recently wrote a dissertation on how inspired I was by the Taco Bell marketing team taking the insight of Nikola Jokic being drafted during a Quesarito commercial into a tongue-in-cheek apology campaign for the return of the beloved cheese blanket of a burrito.”

— Kali Heitholt, Group Creative Director, Jack Morton

What’s next

Heitholt will continue to lead the yearlong anniversary program for the Pokémon franchise, which is set to launch later in 2026.

The takeaway

Heitholt's work at Jack Morton demonstrates the power of experiential marketing to create immersive, audience-focused campaigns that blur the line between marketing and entertainment. Her cinematic approach and ability to translate digital properties into physical experiences showcase the potential for brands to build lasting cultural moments.