Director Mike Nelesen, whose work includes broadcast spots and virals for such brands as Best Buy, Conoco Phillips, Logitech and AMC, has joined The Joneses for exclusive representation.
Known for crafting smart, engaging stories both fictional and involving real people, Nelesen most recently had been directing commercials via Crossroads.
Prior to that, he was a staff director for Best Buy. During that period, he directed projects featuring the Rolling Stones, Tony Hawk, Sheryl Crow and Moby, and shot on location throughout the U.S. as well as in Europe and Canada. Based in Minneapolis for much of his career, he has especially strong ties with ad agencies across the Midwest.
Nelesen’s latest work includes a spot entitled “Bus” for Wisconsin’s Marshfield Clinic featuring a sweet exchange between a school bus driver and her lone passenger, a young girl, and ends with the revelation that driver is the girl’s mother.
Nelesen said he was drawn to The Joneses by its boutique size, focus on narrative filmmaking, and the support team headed and put together by executive producer Mel Gragido.
Directors Amy+Pilar and Jose Antonio Prat Join Reform School
Boutique content production company Reform has added comedy directing duo Amy+Pilar (Amy York Rubin and Pilar Boehm) and award-winning multicultural director Jose Antonio Prat to its roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded entertainment.
Partners in both life and art, Amy+Pilar are know for their sharp wit and comedic timing. Their synchronicity is evident in a body of work across TV, film and commercials. Prior to joining Reform School, Amy+Pilar had been repped in the ad market by production company Knucklehead.
Amy has directed high-profile comedy sketches featuring stars like Amy Schumer, Kate McKinnon, and Sarah Silverman. On the episodic front, Amy has helmed for series such as Fresh Off the Boat, Casual, Superstore and Angie Tribeca--as well as the pilot for the hit Netflix comedy Dead to Me.
Before joining forces with Amy behind the camera, Pilar was a psychotherapist, a background that informs her ability to create fascinating characters and stage irresistible, nuanced performances. Amy and Pilar’s shared passion for comedy brought them together. Their collaboration began with a Synchrony Bank campaign, starring cult-comedy favorite Maribeth Monroe (Workaholics), and they went on to direct the pilot of the Hulu series Love, Victor. Amy+Pilar’s ad fare also includes spots for Uber’s “Go-Get” campaign and “Shift,” starring Martin Starr.
“We have been fans of Amy and Pilar for a long time,” said Ryan Ennis, executive director at Reform School. “They excel at capturing comedic performances and dialogue. Coming from the TV and L.A. comedy scenes, they’ve built a strong following and collaborated with some of our favorite funny people.... Read More