Boutique live-action production company Rakish has added director Chris Woods to its roster for U.S. commercial representation. Woods is a Cannes Lions-winning director whose efforts for such brands as Firestone, Skittles, Braun and Georgia Lottery, among others, fuses an eclectic comedic repertoire with stylized art direction.
Woods’ natural sensibility for comedic timing in tandem with his heightened visual approach continues to evolve with his latest work for Pathways to Education, a Canadian nonprofit. The Pathways to Education piece reflects a new visual style for Woods, combining an emotional message with epic visual effects.
Producing the Pathways to Education project was Scouts Honour, a production company which continues to handle Woods in Canada. Prior to joining the L.A.-based Rakish, Woods was repped in the U.S. ad market by Hungry Man.
Rakish EP Brad Johns cited Pathways as a great example of Woods’ “versatility, individuality and taste level. It excites us that he is able to bring this to each creative brief across genres. His work consistently straddles the conceptual and artistic visual approach, and we’re challenging him to push on and become one of the best comedic/visual storytellers in the industry”.
Woods began his career as a still photographer, channeling his love for skateboarding to capture stylized shots that quickly earned attention amongst both the skate and photography culture. As his work began to get published, he continued to hone his skills as a portrait photographer, organically transitioning to professionally commissioned work for the likes of Rolling Stone and SPIN as well as commercial clients including Nike and Apple. As he further developed his visual aesthetic, he transitioned into motion, directing his first commercial for Bell Canada that earned numerous awards and international industry acclaim. Narrowing in on commercial directing, he has worked with top celebrities, musicians, athletes and has helmed high-profile campaigns including multiple Super Bowl spots.
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