Production company SixTwentySix has signed multi-disciplinary commercial, music video and film director Najeeb Tarazi for commercial and music video representation in the U.S.
A first generation Lebanese-American talent, Tarazi’s experience spans various realms with work for agencies, record labels, brands, and artists ranging from retro animation to cinematic live-action. He has helmed an array of campaigns for agencies such as Virtue, 72andSunny, The Richards Group and Media.Monks as well as brands including Dr Pepper, Snap, Capital One, Logitech and Sweet Green. Tarazi has directed talent from Naomi Osaka and Tony Hawk to AC/DC and TikTok star Josh Richards. The director’s work has garnered recognition from SXSW and 1.4’s Showcase Gold, as well as multiple accolades from Vimeo, where he’s collected five Staff Picks and Best of Year honors.
After graduating with a BA in physics from Harvard College, Tarazi cut his teeth in the film industry by receiving his start working as a technical programmer and director at Pixar. Over his four years at the Disney-owned studio, he honed his talent and made a name for himself by working on films like Toy Story 3 and Monsters University. An inventor on two patents in the field of computer graphics, he made a historical, groundbreaking move in the creative industry with his music video “Another Love,” which became the first to feature volumetric video.
Prior to joining SixTwentySix, Tarazi had been repped by production house Pomp&Clout.
SixTwentySix partner and managing director Jake Krask said, “Najeeb is a true storyteller and artist. Between his background in being a storyteller and unique ability to integrate VFX in a thought provoking yet simplistic way, he brings a POV that is rarely seen in this market. We are excited to support his passion for stories and projects to create content that captivates and inspires audiences.”
Austin Barbera, SixTwentySix partner and executive producer, added, “With his keen eye for detail and his unwavering dedication to his craft, we have no doubt that Najeeb will make a significant impact in the industry, and we feel honored to have him join our team. We cannot wait to see what innovative and imaginative work he will bring to the table as we collaborate on future projects.”
Tarazi recalled, “I met Jake and Austin when SixTwentySix was just getting started, and it seemed like everyone who crossed their path was impressed by them. Their excitement and ability to manifest their projects through some combination of sheer will and wisdom beyond their years are qualities I admire a lot. In this business there are a lot of people who are jaded or running on autopilot, but SixTwentySix is a company that is wide awake, forward looking, and excited to build the next generation of talent and content. I share their hustle and love of community, so it’s a great fit.”
Tarazi has recently filmed work for MassMutual and is currently in production on multiple projects. Alongside two short films, he is also filming a commercial for Microsoft. Next up, he will be directing American pop band LANY in a music video for Interscope Records. His creative short, One More Try, just received a shortlist nomination by The One Club’s ADC Awards.
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