Washington Square Films has signed the directing duo Ben/Dave consisting of Ben Hurst and Dave Thomas. The helming team recently turned out work for such clients as Honda, Samsung, Progressive Insurance, Heinz and GE. And last year, Ben/Dave’s “Double Straw” spot for Jarritos Mexican sodas was shortlisted at the Cannes Lions competition.
Prior to joining Washington Square Films, the Ben/Dave duo was at Third Street Mining Company. Hurst and Thomas met years ago in Salt Lake City where the former was directing spots and Thomas was an agency creative director. The two collaborated on several projects before Thomas went to Crispin Porter+Bogusky and created work for such high-profile clients as Coca-Cola and Microsoft. In 2009, the two joined forces in their current home base of Austin, Texas. Hurst’s filmmaking experience and Thomas’ agency acumen have proved complementary as the directors team to generate ideas that push the creative dynamics of projects in close collaboration with agencies and clients.
The alluded to new Progressive campaign for Arnold demonstrates Ben/Dave’s comedy chops with spots depicting a grown man who’s like a child–seated in a high chair at a board meeting, and nestled in a baby carrier attached to a co-worker. His office banter is sophomoric at best until we hear a voiceover wake-up call imploring him to grow up, dump his parents’ insurance company and start saving with Progressive.
