Hoytyboy Pictures has signed director Eric Steinman for exclusive commercial representation in the U.S. He has already booked his first job under the Hoytyboy banner, a project slated to shoot in mid-December promoting an undisclosed client for Young & Rubicam, New York.
The Y&R job is line with Steinman’s desire to get back to the American ad arena. “I want to get re-entrenched in this country, after having done numerous international spot campaigns the past two years,” he said. Steinman was referring to commercials recently completed in Milan, Singapore and Moscow.
Although the director is known more for comedic dialogue, Steinman points to more humanity-centric spots as part of his repertoire. “Casting, timing, performance, detail and design are constants in my work,” he said. Recent projects in the U.S. include work for Florida Power and Light (out of agency Machado/Garcia/Serra, Miami) and a pharmaceutical campaign for Zostavax (via DDB New York).
Steinman started in the business on the agency side, making his first mark as a copywriter at now defunct Allen & Dorward, San Francisco (the predecessor to such former Bay Area shops as Chiat/Day/Mojo and Goldberg Moser O’Neill). From there, he migrated to Young & Rubicam, New York, where he spent four years writing for varied clients, including AT&T. Next came three years at BBDO New York, where Steinman’s reputation as a creative blossomed on accounts like Pepsi, HBO and Pizza Hut.
He then moved over to the production house side as a full fledged director, working out of such shops as GARTNER, Headquarters, Trio Films and most recently Crossroads. Over the years he has helmed campaigns for such clients as Sony, Mazda, Citigold and LG. Steinman-directed spots for Astro Mobile garnered a Silver at the London International Awards and were shortlisted at the 2008 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. He also directed award-winning PSAs for Big Brothers of America and the Partnership for a Drug Free America.
The Big Brothers work was originally a spec piece he directed while on staff at BBDO New York. The PSA went on to gain regional air time and was initially honored in the spec category of the AICP Show in ’94, the first year in which that competition recognized spec fare.
Steinman joins a Hoytyboy directorial roster that includes Steve “Spaz” Williams, Richard Kizu-Blair, John Kricfalusi, Rob Schneider and animation house Little Fluffy Clouds. Clint Goldman is Hoytyboy’s exec producer.
Kari Grubin To Become First Woman President Of The Hollywood Professional Association
Kari Grubin will succeed Seth Hallen as president of the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) on January 1, 2025.
When Hallen passes HPA leadership to Grubin, the organization marks a noteworthy milestone in its history as she becomes the first woman to hold the HPA presidency and only its third president since the organization’s founding, following Hallen and HPA founder Leon Silverman. A recognized expert in technology, consultative expertise and postproduction services, Grubin possesses the experience and vision to help drive HPA through the next phase of the industry’s evolution.
“I am truly honored and excited to be part of the leadership team of this great organization that means so much to me, and I will bring my passion and experience to this responsibility,” said HPA president-elect Grubin. “Now more than ever, HPA is a critical and hyper-relevant partner for the individuals and companies at work in our industry as we face the significant change, challenge and opportunity ahead. HPA will continue to be a conduit for our community to grow, reach out for new opportunities and adapt. I’m assuming the leadership of a thriving organization, and I look forward to shepherding it through its next powerful new phase. I encourage our community to join us in the work ahead and look forward to the upcoming collaboration.”
Hallen and Grubin will work closely over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. A dedicated HPA Board member since 2020, Grubin has spearheaded several of HPA’s most impactful initiatives. She co-founded HPA Women in Post (2011) which provides leadership opportunities and visibility for women working in professional content creation. Under the leadership of Grubin and fellow board member Loren... Read More