Directors Marty Weiss and Dan Hackett have signed with The Directors Network (TDN) for freelance work throughout the U.S. Under the aegis of president Steve Lewis, TDN is a bicoastal talent agency that represents directors and DPs. TDN reps directors on its roster to commercial production companies.
Weiss and Hackett were previously handled by production houses. Weiss most recently directed via GoManGo, New York, while Hackett was with Avalon Films, Detroit. Both directors bring agency pedigrees to TDN. From 1991-’95, Weiss served as a senior producer at DDB Needham (now DDB), Chicago. He worked on some of the agency’s biggest accounts, including Budweiser, Bud Light and McDonald’s. Concurrently he directed spots via the agency’s in-house production company, Zone One.
Weiss then jumped to the production house side of the biz. Prior to GoManGo, he directed via Cucoloris Films, Venice, Calif. Over the years, he has helmed spots for such clients as Anheuser-Busch, Clairol, Honda, Renault, Kia, AT&T, Energizer and McDonald’s. His work has garnered Clio Awards, Cannes Lions, One Show Pencils and best direction honors at the New York Film Festival and the Chicago International Film Fest. Weiss now returns to the commercialmaking arena after spending the past several months on his feature film directorial debut, The Turning, for Sony/Screen Gems Entertainment.
Hackett’s experience includes 15 years at Doner Advertising, Detroit, ultimately as its executive creative director. He left to focus on his directing career, initially at The Story Companies, Chicago. Hackett was also handled by The Partners’ Film Company, Toronto. He currently works in Canada via Maxx Productions, Toronto.
Over the years, Hackett’s directorial endeavors have landed ADDY Awards, as well as recognition from Cannes, the New York Film Festival and the British Art Direction Awards. He has helmed ads for the likes of Jeep and United Way.
Hackett is best known for his work in comedy and dialogue, with strong art direction. He and Weiss join a TDN roster for freelance assignments that includes directors Jeff Weiser, Brian Coyne, Rene Eram and the helming/DP team Squeeze.
Lewis is based at TDN’s Encino headquarters. Earlier this year, the talent agency opened a New York office, which is headed by former freelance producer Dan Deitchman.