Design-driven production company Sarofsky has added Ben Strang to its directorial roster for commercials and branded content representation throughout North America.
Based in Santa Monica, Calif., Strang is an award-winning writer-director and photographer, as well as being the creator of the ambitious original episodic series, Beast. Upon its debut at the 2018 SXSW Film Festival, the series’ pilot drew critical acclaim and won the fest’s Grand Jury Award for Independent Episodics. He has also made his mark in commercials and branded content spanning such clients as D’Addario, Lenovo, Starsky Robotics, Milken Community Schools and The Storm King School (the Storm King project earned the 2019 Bronze Telly Award for Branded Content in Education). Strang has also helmed music videos for Piper Hays and Jason Webber, among others. Strang’s growing portfolio of projects explores history, community identity and the resilience of the human spirit. Born in Maryland, he earned his B.A. in Film Production from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. While studying at USC, Strang directed an American Express spec spot that was shortlisted in the Student category of the 2014 AICP Show.
Prior to joining Sarofsky, Strang established his production company Blueprint Motion Pictures in Santa Monica, where he turned out client-direct ads for a wide gamut of brands, as well as writing, directing and producing Beast. In addition to the SXSW honor, the pilot earned three Telly Awards this year, including a Silver Telly for Directing in Digital Episodic. Strang has pivoted the direction for Beast after its debut and is currently developing the property as a feature film. The pilot is now slated for direct release on Vimeo this summer.
“We were immediately drawn to Ben’s work, not only because of his amazing craftsmanship, but also due to its wide range, spanning advertising and entertainment,” said Sarofsky principal and executive creative director Erin Sarofsky, adding, “Ben’s live action work is cinematic. He connects with people in a visceral way. Being able to offer that caliber of live action on our roster is something we have been seeking and hoping for.”
“I have already come to feel that what makes Sarofsky so incredibly special is that it feels like a family, and the shared passion, candor and creative energy is absolutely infectious,” said Strang.
