Production house Durable Goods has signed director Ben Chappell for U.S. commercial representation. He had previously been handled by ONE at Optimus. Chapppell’s extensive body of work includes spots for such brands as Whole Foods, Walmart, UPS, McDonald’s, Sony, Footlocker and Crystal Light, as well as music videos for artists including Miley Cyrus, Rick Ross, Nas, Miranda Lambert, Arctic Monkeys, and The Beach Boys. Chappell brings a versatile perspective to his work, drawing from his experience as a DP and creative strategy expertise gleaned by being a part of the creative team that launched the first eBay campaign out of 72andSunny.
Rebecca Wray, exec producer of Venice-based Durable Goods, said, “Ben has a natural way with talent that comes through effortlessly in his work. He has experience in multiple mediums, including AR, FB Live, Hidden Camera and Experiential, in addition to traditional spot work which I think makes him a unique commodity positioned to deliver complete campaigns. ”
Chappell related, “Durable Goods and I enjoy working in a similar manner. They are nimble and very hands-on and that is the kind of atmosphere I thrive in. Their roster is carefully curated and I’m really looking forward to seeing the type of work we can create together.”
Chappell graduated with a B.A. in Film from DePaul University in Chicago and broke into the industry as an assistant editor where he was introduced to commercial production. He got his start as a director while helming music videos for musician friends and bands, which propelled him to notoriety with some of his videos racking up millions of views online. He quickly made the transition into commercial projects, learning the ropes hands-on as both a DP and director. A music lover with a deep appreciation for traditional film, Chappell found directing to be the perfect fusion of his passions. He has been immersed in the creative space his entire life, spending his childhood days developing film and observing his portrait photographer father’s creative process.
Chappell is currently working on an experimental live music feature that artistically stitches together the reunion of the band The Last Shadow Puppets, featuring the lead singer of Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner. The project is slated to release in 2018.
