Production company Fela has added Dutch-American Teddy Cherim to its directorial roster for representation across U.S. and Canadian markets. A storyteller by nature, Cherim is a writer, director, and creative who’s known for his innovative visuals, absurdist narrative humor, and human documentaries.
Cherim attended the Met Film School in London before writing and directing the Dutch feature film Sterke Verhalen, which made him the youngest Dutch director to have ever filmed a feature-length film with a countrywide cinematic release, at the age of 21. He followed up that success with music videos and short narrative pieces, before landing a life-changing documentary film project with the International Rescue Committee. Shooting from Syrian refugee camps along the Syro-Lebanese border, Cherim found another layer to his passion, realizing the positive real-world influence his filmmaking could have.
He moved to Nairobi, Kenya to work as creative director at MIATV, an East African media production company where he developed highly impactful local television programs and documentaries, and trained filmmakers. Cherim returned to Amsterdam in 2017 and has been helming global ad campaigns, music videos, documentaries, and fictional works, earning various industry accolades in Europe. He has directed commercials for brands such as G-Star RAW with Snoop Dogg, Paypal, and KFC, and television series including the Netflix docu-series Human Playground, was showrunner and director of the successful series Ruimteschip Aarde, and Het Geldspel for VICELAND. Cherim was also nominated for a Golden Calf at the Dutch Film Festival in the Best Interactive category for the VR documentary Meet The Soldier. He is currently in development on his next feature film, a dark comedy set in Kenya.
“Teddy’s work has its own distinct, crazy brand of fun, combined with a true depth of character,” said Taj Critchlow, co-founder/managing partner of Fela. “He’s bold and daring and he pairs that sensibility with a stunning visual approach. He’s here to shake it up, and we need more of that. Teddy and Fela are an ideal creative pairing.”
“I’m super excited to join such talented creators and bring my brand of over-the-top, visual films to these new markets,” said Cherim. “I love Fela’s energy and vibrancy when it comes to filmmaking, creativity, artistry, and culture. They’re super connected to everything that is cool and relevant right now and invested in a way that so many companies aren’t. I really feel their vision and plan to build me as a director. I’m ready to hit the ground running.”
Prior to joining Fela, Cherim had a recent brief tenure with Rattling Stick in the U.S. market. He continues to be repped by Pink Rabbit in Amsterdam, and Curate Films in the U.K.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More