ArtClass has signed comedy director Danielle Calodney.
With a background in improvisational comedy, Calodney has an innate talent for idiosyncratic world-building and populating that environment with lovable lead characters who drive the story forward. Full of energy and often featuring food and families, her films find beauty in the absurd. Calodney’s work for brands like Jack in the Box, Twix, Snickers, U by Kotex, Brookshire Brothers, Bushmills, Hostess Snacks, NikeNYC, Alen Air, and Science Moms, among many others, all contain shared elements of her cinematic optimism. Prior to joining ArtClass, the Austin-based Calodney was repped by Yacht Club.
Calodney’s work directing a PSA film for The Taylor Hooton Foundation earned several gold and silver Telly Awards, two Addys, and two Platinum Dallas Hermes Awards. The film, which cautions against the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs, was shot at Calodney’s former high school in North Texas. Other meaningful causes that have benefited from her directorial eye include the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the American College of Surgeons, which tapped Calodney to craft their moving anthem films. She directed an LGBTQIA+ pride film for American Airlines and Billboard, and a PSA for Supermajority, advocating for abortion rights in Texas.
Calodney’s remarkable ability to bring heart to these notable films has also found its way into her directing of music videos. Her prolific work with the American soul-rock band Seratones includes Calodney directing music videos for their songs “Good Day” and “Power,” to name a couple. She was then tasked with making the visual component of their powerful track “Pay What You Owe” as part of the Reclaiming Freedom Project, answering the question, “What does bodily autonomy mean to you?” Additionally, her work as a cinematographer saw Calodney shooting part of the HBO Original Documentary 1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed by director W. Kamau Bell.
Calodney said of ArtClass, “They put heart into everything they produce, and as a director, I strive to do that as well. I’m grateful for ArtClass’ creative-first approach and its future-forward ethos. They’re the perfect artistic home for me as I continue to grow in my career.”
ArtClass managing director Kirsten Arongino added, “Danielle is just as lovely as her work would have you believe. Her character-driven films pack a punch, whether with a laugh or pulling at your heartstrings. Her creativity knows no bounds, and we’re very excited to have that energy on board with us at ArtClass.”
