Ruckus Films–the shop founded by prolific comedy director JJ Adler and veteran producer Greg Jones–has added Jessica Sanders to its directorial roster for commercial and content representation in the U.S. Sanders’ wide-ranging body of work spans commercials, shorts, features and TV.
Sanders comes from a family of filmmakers–both her mother and father are revered documentary directors–and she brilliantly observed that legacy in her Cannes Young Director’s Award and AICP Show-winning, branded biographical Sony Make.Believe short, which also earned her a slot in SHOOT’s 2010 New Directors Showcase. Sanders’ feature documentary After Innocence about wrongfully convicted men freed by DNA evidence won a Sundance Special Jury Prize, and her short documentary Sing was nominated for an Academy Award.
The way Sanders’ commercial career kicked off is the stuff of legends: she was hand-picked by Steve Jobs himself to direct Apple’s iPad launch campaign. She’s gone on to create more campaigns for Apple, as well as Amazon, Samsung, Honda, Toyota, Land Rover, Procter & Gamble, TJMaxx, Sony and many others. And she is especially happy with her elegant new campaigns for Lindt. Prior to joining Ruckus, Sanders was most recently repped in the commercialmaking arena by Invisible Collective.
“I love shooting spots. They’re short and sweet, totally satisfying and creative. The best campaigns have a great story as a base for me to add personality and a fun, unique perspective. I’m inspired by JJ as a director at the top of her game in the comedy space and I’m honored to work with her, Greg and the Ruckus team. They understand where I’m coming from and creatively where I’m excited to go.”
Sanders also has a gift for scripted comedy. She has created a raft of hilarious shorts from Bunion about a man, his foot, and finding happiness, to The Cocktail Party, a martial arts action comedy that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Her episodic dramedy pilot Embrace won a SXSW Grand Jury Prize. And her short End of the Line (which features a 20-foot long penis prop) premiered at Sundance and is currently in development as a series with Atlanta writers Stephen Glover and Jamal Olori.
Adler said of Sanders, “I’m a longtime fan, and am in awe of the sheer breadth of her skills. Jessica’s avalanche of awards makes clear that she just kills it in every genre. Her commercial work in particular is so elegant and witty. Jessica has great taste. We’re flattered she chose to partner with us.”
In her commercial career, Sanders plans to expand her winning streak and continue to hone her sense of humor. “Who wouldn’t want to work with a company named ‘Ruckus’?” she asked. To which Adler responded: “Let’s make some beautiful noise together.”
