Global production company Sweetshop has signed director Michael Downing for representation in the U.S.
Downing’s work is defined by a subtle, observational, and comedic style with an emphasis on performance. He has crafted memorable, award-winning work for agencies on both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing a rare ability to perfectly deliver any and every style of comedy; from character-driven dialogue to slapstick and utterly irreverent. He has worked with brands including Netflix, Samsung, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Toyota, Timberland, Bud Light and ESPN.
Downing’s innate understanding of performance and diversity as a director stems from his background: having studied fine art, acting and theatre and forming an experimental theatre company in Toronto, before stepping into filmmaking. As a student filmmaker, Downing turned out short films that were consistently screened and awarded at festivals, and he attended the American Film Institute on a scholarship because of this early success.
Based in L.A., Downing is in development on his first two feature projects The Threeway and Cowboy due to begin filming in spring 2022. Prior to joining Sweetshop, Downing had been repped in the U.S. ad market by Biscuit Filmworks.
George Meeker, co-managing director at Sweetshop USA, said of Downing, “His ability to capture rich visual subtext and coax excellent verbal and silent performances is astonishing. His work has a down-to-earth quality which resonates with viewers of all stripes.”
Downing said, “I’m excited to join the Sweetshop team and craft some funny stories about human beings. Having the opportunity to work with George and Jeff (Miller, co-managing director, USA), who are both relentless perfectionists and the most joyful people you’ll ever meet–it’s going to be fun and demanding at the same time. Or maybe at different times. Either way – I’m looking forward to the opportunity to working with people that are as obsessed with commercials and content as I am. The fact that the whole company is so incredibly nice makes it feel a bit like I’m back home in Canada.”
Wilf Sweetland, CEO of Sweetshop, described Downing as “a highly awarded, extremely funny and infinitely collaborative director.” Sweetland added, “I have long admired his comedy and feel humbled he chose to join us.”
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