Tamika Lamison, executive director of the Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP), has announced six Directing Fellows who have been awarded ARRI Rental camera grant packages, Jordan Brady’s Online Commercial Directing Master Class, and other resources to support their journey as commercial directors during the program’s 2024 cycle. The Fellows are: Anjali Nayar, April Moreau, Derek Smith, Jonathan Benavente, and the directing duo known as SCOUT, consisting of Lindsay Sunada and Jensen Vinca. The directors were welcomed at a recent orientation held at SMUGGLER with representatives from the DGA & AICP.
There were hundreds of entries to the program. Most of these directors began their careers in other media–documentaries, dramatic shorts, music videos, etc.
The six 2024 CDDP Directing Fellows will be mentored over several months and provided with experience and exposure to the inner workings of commercial and content production. The program begins with a series of workshops at SMUGGLER where the directors learn from industry professionals about the nuances of commercial production–from pitching treatments to working with clients on set, branding and the post process.
The directors have been paired with mentoring companies who will give them first-hand access and insight into the process, provide them with shadowing opportunities, pair them with a dedicated EP, give them targeted career guidance and advice, and offer them unlimited access to the day-to-day commercial world as well as various other means of support.
This sixth cycle of the programs mentoring production companies are: Invisible Collective, O Positive, SMUGGLER, Spears & Arrows, and Thinking Machine.
The program culminates in a targeted and curated industry screening for company owners, directors, agencies, and clients that will, hopefully, lead the Directing Fellows to being signed by AICP member companies and becoming DGA members.
“The CDDP is the only program in existence that affords this kind of expansive access, support and real-world change to women and other talented, historically underrepresented directors. We are committed to being the change that we want to see in the commercial world,” noted Lamison. “Being inclusive while championing and nurturing unique POVs- is a win-win for everyone. It is essential to support, expand and fund these types of programs, especially now, when many DEI initiatives are being targeted and dismantled.”
In addition, several finalists have been invited to participate in the program’s workshops in person. They are:. Arthur Smith, Bianca Jones, Camrus Johnson, Justin Melson, Katia Badalian, Jane Chow, RJ Dawson, Rose Surnow, Micah Williams Kelly, Nina Lee, Lagueria Davis, Loren Waters, Shiouwen Hong, Yoko Okumura, Stephanie Martin, Jennifer Roberts, Jessica Makinson, Joanne Mony Park, Rippin Sindher, Gianfranco Fernando Ruiz, Adonis Williams and Denise Moreno.
Semi-finalists can join virtually.
Last year the program launched five Fellows: Angie Su (signed by her mentoring company Sibling Rivalry), Allison A. Waite whose Delta spec commercial created in the program (narrated by Viola Davis) was nominated in competition at Tribeca X, and Hisonni Mustafa, Megan Brotherton and Lauren Crew–all of whom are working and becoming mainstream commercial/content directors.
The CDDP’s mission is to foster awareness and increase opportunities for women and other underrepresented directors in the commercial production industry through a targeted program of outreach, mentorship, and exposure.
Director John Larigakis Joins Strike Anywhere For His 1st U.S. Spot Representation
Strike Anywhere has added filmmaker John Larigakis to its talent roster, marking his first U.S. commercial representation. He continues to be repped in Canada by production house BOLDLY.
Larigakis first established himself on the agency side of the business where he spent 15 years, including serving as a sr. art director at DDB Canada and then a creative director at 123w before making a seamless transition to directing commercials..
Conceptual and highly art-directed, Larigakis’ style focuses on comedic surrealism grounded in reality. By counterbalancing the outlandish and colorful setting with deadpan performances, the key to his commercials is the metaphorical twist on the core concept, ultimately yielding a funny film. His stylistic vision is often brought to life through custom props, 3D animation, physical comedy, and practical effects to craft imaginative environments and memorable characters.
As a director, Larigakis recently won a Berlin Commercial Award for his work with Extra Gum. He’s also helmed films for brands like Starbucks, Nintendo Switch, Playland, and Sandman Hotels. Throughout his career in advertising, Larigakis has developed work that has won six Cannes Lions, 12 One Show Pencils, six D&AD Pencils, and six Clios.
“I’m a big fan of Strike Anywhere’s approach, their mix of strong advertising and film projects, and most importantly, the team,” remarked Larigakis. “They are genuinely passionate about helping directors grow and develop their careers, and I’m at a stage where I’m excited to continue crafting my skills in new areas.”
Ryan Simon, founding partner of Strike Anywhere, added, “At Strike Anywhere, comedy is key to company growth, and we’re elevating the game by joining forces... Read More