The Directors Network (TDN), the talent agency for commercial freelance directors, directors of photography, and director/DPs, has signed two new California-based directors, Austin Smithard and Peter Sorcher. Since being discovered by Steven Spielberg, Smithard has helmed campaigns for brands like McDonald’s, Chevy, Bank of America, Verizon, and Adidas, among many more national and international clients. Smithard is currently in post on a feature film and recently wrapped a sci-fi short starring Blake Lively and Oscar winner Adrien Brody. Smithard is based in L.A. Sorcher, profiled in a past SHOOT Directors Issue, has directed award-winning commercials for Starbucks, Nike, Coca-Cola, Intel, and many more national and international brands. Recent projects include directing spots for the Sheraton Hotel’s “Go Beyond” campaign and a multi-narrative campaign for the app Speaking Photo….
DP John Schmidt and production designer Andrew Baird have joined Innovative Artists for representation in commercials. Schmidt has lensed for brands such as Subaru, Geico, Adidas and Bayer. Baird has worked with brands including Verizon, the U.S. Navy, Samsung and TNT….DP Frank Perl has returned to Dattner Dispoto and Associates for representation…
Venice, Calif.-based digital agency Left Field Labs has added Ken Rivera as executive VP of business development. Rivera will oversee strategic partnerships and business development initiatives. Most recently, he was EVP of media & client partnerships at HYFN, where he was instrumental in its evolution from a development shop into a full-service digital agency and multi-platform ad-tech company. Prior to joining HYFN in 2013, he was VP of partnerships & digital media at Machinima, one of the early digital media pioneers to build an ad network around the growing community of YouTube creators….