Tim Roper, a 20-year agency vet (15 of those as writer-ECD at Crispin Porter + Bogusky) and former roster director at Partizan Entertainment, has launched F. Yeah & Associates, an independent creative development-production hybrid that is home to writers, directors and–most prominently–writer-directors.
“We’ve taken those entertainment industry models of writer-director and showrunner and are applying very specific talent to them in branded content with a leaner, nimbler, no-compromise kind of approach,” said Roper who has both written and directed work that has been recognized on the awards show circuit. While creative director at CP+B, Roper saw his Hulu spot “Alec in Huluwood”–directed by Peter Berg via Pony Show Entertainment–earn a primetime commercial Emmy nomination in 2009. Roper has also turned out projects for Volkswagen (“Safe Happens”), Burger King, method, Sprite, Microsoft and Truth that have garnered accolades at Cannes, The One Show, LIA and D&AD. In recent years, Roper’s ad fare has scored high-profile Super Bowl and Oscar telecast appearances. Since 2012–which is also the year in which he earned inclusion into SHOOT’s New Directors Showcase–Roper has been a writer-director hyphenate in the branded content arena.
“There has never been a greater demand for content creators who can wear more than one hat. So, it just makes sense to put all your weapons in one arsenal,” Roper added.
Joining Roper at F. Yeah will be executive producer Lisa Effress, formerly of CP+B, TBWA Chiat/Day and Peterson Milla Hooks. She is best known for producing notable work for brands like Gatorade, GAP, Visa, Target, Windows Phone, Climate Reality Project and Intel.
Additionally, a “floating roster” of four writer-directors (“associates”) will help Roper and Effress take on both client-direct and agency-partner projects worldwide.
“As our industry works harder and harder to emulate the pop culture resonance of our cousins in entertainment, we’re excited to apply the wisdom of their process, as well,” said Effress.
F. Yeah & Associates will operate out of offices in Boulder, Colorado, and Santa Monica, Calif.
Directors Melissa Bolton-Klinger and Sasie Sealy Join Honor Society For Spots, Branded Content
Production company Honor Society has added directors Melissa Bolton-Klinger and Sasie Sealy to its roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Bolton-Klinger, a director and creative director, brings a diverse portfolio of commercial, TV and film work to her new roost. Her background in improv at L.A.’s The Groundlings informs her fast-paced, sharp, and humorous directing style. She also has a finely honed expertise with celebrity talent and complex shoots. Bolton-Klinger, who was awarded a Grand Clio for her work with Reno 911, kicked off her collaborative efforts at Honor Society with projects for Coffee Mate and Future Forward. She said, “I’m so excited to be joining the Honor Society crew. They’re all about supporting women and taking creative risks, which is exactly where I thrive. With [Honor Society founder and EP] Megan Kelly leading the charge, it’s the ideal spot for me to use my comedic and celebrity-infused powers for good. I’m looking forward to crafting more work that not only gets laughs but leaves a lasting impact.” Prior to joining Honor Society, Bolton-Klinger was repped by production studio Slim. Meanwhile Sealy, who had earlier been repped by production house Bullitt, is an award-winning writer/director celebrated for her striking visuals and witty, original scripts. Her debut feature film Lucky Grandma premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim and was included in multiple “Best of 2020” lists, such as Indiewire and New York Magazine. Named one of “9 Filmmakers Who Should Be on Your Radar” by The New York Times, Sealy has had her work recognized for its bold, humorous take on the female experience. Her commercial work spans... Read More