Production company Voyager has added versatile comedy, lifestyle and visual storytelling director Christopher Nataanii Cegielski to its roster for his first exclusive U.S. commercial representation.
The Brooklyn-based shop has already wrapped its first production with Christopher–a spot out of Cashmere Agency for AriZona SunRise Hard Seltzer, a beverage born out of a partnership between Heineken USA and AriZona.
Cashmere Agency producer Zack Williams said of Christopher, ““He brings such a youthful enthusiasm to every conversation and was so collaborative throughout the entire process, making sure to incorporate key client and agency focuses into his overall vision for the project.”
Christopher said. “Cashmere and their team were collaborative throughout the entire process and it just felt like we were working as a collective to create a piece/pieces we all love.”
Christopher was a recent fellow of the Commercial Diversity Directors Program (CDDP), created by the DGA and AICP to increase diversity representation in commercial filmmaking. Christopher’s narrative work has received international recognition from festivals such as the Berlinale, SXSW, and the L.A. Film Festival. He has received artistic development from the Sundance Native Lab’s Time Warner Producers Fellowship and Film Independent’s Project Involve Program, where he received the Sony Pictures Diversity Fellowship Grant.
Voyager EP Andrew Hutcheson said, “Whether he’s making a stirring, poetic anthem or a funky, offbeat comedy spot, Chris always taps into his cinematic sensibilities to create something that you can’t help but grin at. Behind it all is this hungry energy that’s constantly driving him forward. Couple that with his sincere humility and you’ve got the makings of someone truly special.”
“I’ve been a fan of Voyager’s work for a long time and in getting to know their philosophies, their culture and what kind of work they aspire to make,” said Christopher, “it felt like the perfect home to continue developing my artistic voice and pushing my work to the next level.”
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