Comedy director Aleysa Young has come aboard the roster of Community Films for commercials and branded content in the U.S. She continues to be handled in Canada by Toronto-based production house Untitled.
Young becomes part of a Community directorial lineup which includes Marius Crowne, Seth Gordon, Jared Hess, Michael Patrick Jann, Emil Möller, Matt Smukler, Pam Thomas, Clay Tweel, Albert Uria, and Clay Williams.
Young spent her formative years in Vancouver, Montreal and Indonesia, and came to directing through her work as a casting director and as a producer of RESFest Canada. Today, she works as a director splitting time between Toronto and Los Angeles. She has directed spots for such brands as Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Caramilk, Molson, McDonald’s, and Subway. Her work has been recognized by such awards as Cannes Lions, Bessies, Advertising & Design Club of Canada, Applied Arts, and the Shark Awards. She also earned inclusion into SHOOT’s 2007 New Directors Showcase.
Young is currently working on a slate of TV shows. Her recent CBC hit Baroness Von Sketch Show was an instant success, and has been called the funniest thing on Canadian Television since Kids in the Hall. It’s recently garnered five Canadian Screen Award nominations, including Best Director. She recently wrapped Workin’ Moms, a half-hour comedy series, as well This Hour Has 22 Minutes, a news satire show, both for CBC.
“I was drawn to Community Films because of the quality of their work and roster,” sad Young. “In addition, Carl [EP/partner Swan] and Lizzie [EP/partner Schwartz] have extensive experience and backgrounds, and I knew I would be in good hands with them. I wanted to find a boutique company with a manageably sized roster where I wouldn’t get lost in the mix, and Community’s well-curated group of talented directors seemed like a great fit. It was clear that Community really cares about the quality of the work, and that is very important to me.”
Schwartz said, “Aleysa’s work is fresh and funny, and the entire Community family was immediately drawn to it.”
Swan added, “Everyone laughed because the work captures many of the hilarious truths about our modern lives.”
