Über Content has announced the addition of Ben Callner to it’s directorial roster. Callner’s work, brimming with wit and versatility, is emphasized in his quickly expanding portfolio that spans commercials, documentary shorts, viral videos, and other creative projects.
Callner has already spearheaded several projects through Über Content. This Includes a just completed Boost Mobile campaign for 180LA, a multi-spot package for Oscar Meyer via 360i, as well as a Snicker’s campaign with BBDO NY.
Callner’s Oscar Mayer campaign centers on the US founding fathers, in off the wall re-imaginings of what the “Original Workouts” might have looked like. Spots like the “Kite-athalon with Benjamin Franklin” and “Grizzly Fit with Davy Crockett” remind us that before fad workouts and newfangled proteins, there was hard work, and meat, nuts, and cheese.
The director’s work for Snickers & BBDO, released online for April Fools, functioned as April Fool’s Day extensions of the brand’s notable “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” campaign. The two ads, paired with the message, “If you take April Fools this far, you might be hungry” artfully demonstrates what happens when you prank on an empty stomach. Callner’s “Grandma” and “Bedtime” spots made Adweek, AdForum, and Agency Spy’s list of best brand hoaxes this year.
Ben’s career as a director began when he took his hobby of making films with the family video camera to the next level. After the films he started submitting into competitions began receiving top honors, it was only a matter of time before Callner went on to receive the 2011 Young Director Award at Cannes. Since then, Callner has crafted spots for Verizon, Doritos, Geico, Ford, Embassy Suites, Oscar Mayer, The Weather Channel, and Church’s Chicken with notable advertising agencies – such as BBDO, 180LA, Team Detroit, Doner, and JWT.
With a reel reflecting a wide spectrum of comedy, ranging from funny and insightful to hilariously offbeat, Ben has made a name for himself with his smart brand of comedic commercials and branded content. Callner has been honored at the AICP, ADDY, and TELLY awards. In addition, Ben’s Doritos “Goat 4 Sale” Super Bowl spot was ranked #1 in Nielsen's rating for Most Likable and Most Memorable Super Bowl XLVII commercial. He was also selected as a featured director in the 2012 SHOOT Magazine New Directors Showcase.
About Über Content
“We are filmmakers. Directors. Producers. Creators. The stories we tell inspire us. We are innovators. We are Über.” Founded in 2005 by EP/Owners Phyllis Koenig and Preston Lee, Über Content’s talented and diverse roster includes directors Lucia Aniello, Ben Callner, Keith Ehrlich, Jeffrey Fleisig, Adam Gunser, Chris Hooper, Scott Pickett, Eliot Rausch, Fred Savage, Matt Shakman, Daniel Strange, Charlie Todd, and Cole Webley. www.ubercontent.com
