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….
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More