Comedy director Aleysa Young has come aboard the roster of Community Films for commercials and branded content in the U.S. She continues to be handled in Canada by Toronto-based production house Untitled.
Young becomes part of a Community directorial lineup which includes Marius Crowne, Seth Gordon, Jared Hess, Michael Patrick Jann, Emil Möller, Matt Smukler, Pam Thomas, Clay Tweel, Albert Uria, and Clay Williams.
Young spent her formative years in Vancouver, Montreal and Indonesia, and came to directing through her work as a casting director and as a producer of RESFest Canada. Today, she works as a director splitting time between Toronto and Los Angeles. She has directed spots for such brands as Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Caramilk, Molson, McDonald’s, and Subway. Her work has been recognized by such awards as Cannes Lions, Bessies, Advertising & Design Club of Canada, Applied Arts, and the Shark Awards. She also earned inclusion into SHOOT’s 2007 New Directors Showcase.
Young is currently working on a slate of TV shows. Her recent CBC hit Baroness Von Sketch Show was an instant success, and has been called the funniest thing on Canadian Television since Kids in the Hall. It’s recently garnered five Canadian Screen Award nominations, including Best Director. She recently wrapped Workin’ Moms, a half-hour comedy series, as well This Hour Has 22 Minutes, a news satire show, both for CBC.
“I was drawn to Community Films because of the quality of their work and roster,” sad Young. “In addition, Carl [EP/partner Swan] and Lizzie [EP/partner Schwartz] have extensive experience and backgrounds, and I knew I would be in good hands with them. I wanted to find a boutique company with a manageably sized roster where I wouldn’t get lost in the mix, and Community’s well-curated group of talented directors seemed like a great fit. It was clear that Community really cares about the quality of the work, and that is very important to me.”
Schwartz said, “Aleysa’s work is fresh and funny, and the entire Community family was immediately drawn to it.”
Swan added, “Everyone laughed because the work captures many of the hilarious truths about our modern lives.”
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