The Institute

The Institute is a multi-platform media company that integrates exceptional creativity with brand marketing discipline to produce the best in entertainment. Our unique model employs consumer engagement, marketing, production, financing, and distribution, resulting in marketing and entertainment products that correspond with consumer demand. No matter the length, medium, or format, The Institute generates innovative content to connect with consumers and audiences, create efficiencies, and, ultimately, drive profits. Founded in 2001 by Partners Scott Gardenhour and Michael Bay, The Institute boasts an interdisciplinary team of creative thinkers who develop engaging and entertaining content for film, television, commercials, the web, apps, games, and beyond. Gardenhour and Bay’s extensive and award-winning experience has guided The Institute's creation of effective marketing & multi-media productions for brand leaders such as Audi, Nike, Hallmark, Burger King, Wal-Mart, Toshiba, Chase Bank, LG, AT&T. Our creative teams have produced and/or directed big screen blockbusters such as "Pearl Harbor," "Armageddon," "Coyote Ugly," "Jumper," "Transformers," and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." In 2006, The Institute earned the coveted Emmy Award for "Required Reading," a groundbreaking long-format commercial produced for Hallmark.