Director Cody Stokes has joined ArtClass for national representation spanning commercials and branded content. The bicoastal production studio is also producing an upcoming short film for him. Hailing from the Midwest, Stokes has a body of work that includes commercials, narrative films and documentaries. Prior to ArtClass, Stokes was most recently repped by Big Block.
“Authenticity is the pillar of Cody’s work,” said ArtClass EP Geno Imbriale. “He knows how to trigger emotion and connect with the viewer, a skill that runs throughout his expansive portfolio. At ArtClass, we’re looking forward to taking Cody’s artistry and production pedigree into new and unexpected avenues.”
The prolific Stokes has over a hundred commercial projects under his belt. He’s crafted ads for brands including Toyota, Nike SB, American Express, Microsoft, Yahoo, BMW, ESPN, and Dreambone.
In his short films, Stokes can in only a couple of minutes translate complex or deep emotions, be it mourning a loss, bearing loneliness, rooting for escape, or delighting in whimsy. The recipient of the Princess Grace Award for filmmaking, Stokes has to his credit such shorts as Paper Hallways, A Year Long Morning, and The Loneliest Place On Earth.
Stokes’ first full-length narrative, a crime drama called The Ghost Who Walks, is making the rounds on the current summer film festival circuit. It has already won six awards at the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, including Best Narrative Feature, and won the Jury Award at the 2018 US IN PROGRESS section of the Champs-Elysees Film Festival.
For Stokes, having a supportive team can make all the difference, which is why he found himself linked up with ArtClass, having previously worked with EP Imbriale. “ArtClass is the kind of company that helps directors–and creators of all kinds–be the best versions of themselves. They provide a platform to explore new ideas and really hone one’s craft,” said Stokes.
