About

Cal Aurand is a creative director and storyteller specializing in authentic, human narratives that inspire connection and drive meaningful impact. 

 

As Creative Director of Communications at Mayo Clinic, Cal provides strategic creative leadership for enterprise and executive-level communications, shaping how institutional vision is translated into clear, emotionally resonant storytelling.

​

With more than 25 years of experience producing, directing, and leading visual storytelling initiatives, Cal is known for his ability to synthesize strategy, creativity, and execution. His career at Mayo Clinic also includes leadership within Mayo Clinic’s Multimedia Production Services, where he previously served as Senior Producer and Director of content for Development, as well as work across music, sports, and media. 

​

Mr. Aurand has also led teams and created compelling content for some of the world’s most notable names in music, sports, and media. He is known throughout the entertainment industry for his expert execution of innovative ideas and his problem-solving and strategic thinking. He is equally celebrated for being an empathetic leader, a master collaborator, and an authentic force of and for positivity.

​

Mr. Aurand has developed, directed, captured, and produced scripted features, feature documentaries, music videos, commercial advertising, and live concert and broadcast films and programming for major acts like Beyonce, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, John Mayer, Tony Bennett, and Harry Styles; sports legends including Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre; and music and entertainment powerhouses like Apple Music, Google, Nickelodeon, Sony, TBS Network and FX Networks.

​

From 2011 to 2023, Mr. Aurand founded and ran Upper Falls, Inc., a creative agency/production house
that specialized in features, documentaries, digital content, music videos, and creative advertising. In 2012, he was approached by Sony Music to document the U.K. boy band One Direction’s official arrival in the U.S. The band went on to hire Mr. Aurand as their photographer and documentarian, a position he held until they disbanded in 2015. After four books in publication, two movies, and multiple merchandising and social campaigns with One Direction, he went on to direct feature documentaries, scripted features, brand content, and commercials for his clients including Reelworks Studios, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime.

​

Prior to founding Upper Falls, Inc., Mr. Aurand spent 11 years with Sony Music, both on the executive and creative sides, including vice president, head of content for Epic Records, and director of DVD, Video, and Creative Music for Sony and Sony BMG Music Entertainment. There, he is credited with directing and producing live events, artist interviews, and artist documentaries, as well as overseeing visual imaging, creative direction and marketing for key label artists.