Director Jon M. Chu, whose credits include the groundbreaking box office hit Crazy Rich Asians and the eagerly anticipated In The Heights, has come aboard the roster of production house Superprime for U.S. commercial representation. This marks Chu’s first official representation in the ad arena.
Chu is a film and television director, producer, and screenwriter He is an alumnus of the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, where he was discovered by Steven Spielberg, who saw his short film When the Kids Are Away. While still a student at USC, Chu won the Princess Grace Award, the Dore Schary Award presented by the Anti-Defamation League, the Jack Nicholson Directing Award, and was recognized as an honoree for the IFP/West program Project: Involve.
After close to 20 years in the industry, Chu is now known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic works across various genres including groundbreaking digital series, advertising, and live concerts. Chu directed the worldwide phenomenon Crazy Rich Asians, the first non-period major Hollywood studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast. He also directed G.I. Joe: Retaliation, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Bruce Willis, Step Up 2:The Streets (2008), Step Up 3D (2010), and the musical Jem and the Holograms (2015). Chu directed the American concert film Justin Beiber: Never Say Never (2011), along with its sequel Justin Bieber’s Believe (2013). In the advertising and music video realm, Chu broke new ground by creating the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (The LXD), broke viral records with videos for Justin Bieber, and won awards for his Virgin America Safety Video.
Perhaps Chu’s most ambitious project to date is In the Heights, the highly anticipated adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical of the same name. The film is a love letter to a unique corner of New York City and a celebration of what it means to dream big in a close-knit community of immigrants. The film will open Tribeca Film Festival on June 9 with its world premiere. Warner Bros. will then release the film in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously on June 11. Chu is also currently in pre-production on several projects, including the sequels to Crazy Rich Asians.
Rebecca Skinner, managing director/EP of Superprime, said of Chu, “He is a brilliant filmmaker whose work is full of effortless humor and depth, inspiring a human connection that is distinct and relatable.”
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