RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 16
360° Marketing Campaign | MTV | January 2024
14 NEW QUEENS ARE RU-VOLUTIONIZING THE GAME
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16 arrived at a time when drag was evolving, and this season was all about power to the queens. The stakes were higher than ever, and these queens weren’t just competing for a crown—they were leading a revolution in the queer community amidst potential drag bans and a tumultuous election year. In unprecedented times, drag became not only a platform for fierce competition but a movement for self-expression, empowerment, and breaking boundaries. The world belongs to those who redefine it, who shatter expectations, and who refuse to be anything less than unapologetically themselves — the future belongs to those who slay it.
Conceptual Development – Helped shape the core theme and creative approach in alignment with the Drag Race brand.
Pre-Production Planning – Collaborated on shot lists and visual strategy to capture each queen’s presence and power.
Production Partnership – Worked closely with the creative director and producers to translate the season’s energy into every frame.
Post-Production Supervision – Guided editing, pacing, and sound design to amplify tension, drama, and emotional resonance.
Narrative Flow – Crafted a seamless blend of high-impact visuals and intimate character moments to keep audiences engaged.
Results: The Season 16 campaign launched with the highest-rated premiere since 2020, scoring a 0.91 rating in the 18–34 demo and setting the tone for a standout season. Throughout the run, the campaign maintained strong social engagement, driving millions of views and active fan conversations across platforms. The sustained buzz helped solidify the season’s cultural impact and reinforced Drag Race’s position as a leading force in queer entertainment.
CREDIT: SVP Creative: Justin Russell
Executive Producer: Sharyn Flanagan
VP, Editorial: Anthony Gelsomino
VP, Design: Robert Postotnik
Creative Director: Michelle Lee
Sr. Writer/Producer: Cam Ly & Gianna Orzo
Writer/Producer: Elle Rose
Supervising Producers: Molly Shea & Mark Thomas
Production Coordinator: Jarvy O’Neill
Post Agency: Transform
Post Supervisor: John Monroe
Post Producer: Lilo Hulett
Edit: Dylan Knight
Color/Beauty: Alex Winkler
Sound/Mix: Joseph Kennemer
IMAGE PROMO
The first cast reveal and the reveal of our ru-volutionary theme
HERO TRAILER
First look at the season with gagworthy twists, star-studded guest judges, and drama galore
SOCIAL / DIGITAL
Social first assets for Tik Tok, IG, Twitter & more
HEARTFELT :30
It’s not all rhinestones and glitter, it do take heart!
KEY ART
14 new queens are joining the ru-volution and you should too!