Bicoastal/international production company Savage has signed director Neil Tardio Jr. for U.S. representation. His credits over the years span such clients as Coca-Cola, ESPN, AT&T, Volkswagen, Budweiser and Nike. Tardio’s move to Savage reunites him with executive producer Jay Shapiro who earlier had produced commercials for the director for a number of years.
“So much American advertising is comedy based and having worked with Neil over the years as a producer, I believe that we are not only gaining an incredibly skilled comedy director, but a great collaborator,” said Shapiro. “Neil’s infectious magnetism has gained him such strong relationships amongst agency and clients over the years–I couldn’t be more upbeat moving forward.”
Tardio graduated from Boston University, joining Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB/Chicago as an agency producer before moving into the director’s chair, creating memorable work showcasing deft handling of dialogue and comedy that has collected awards including Cannes Lions, Clios and Addys, Most recently prior to joining Savage, Tardio directed via Third Street Mining Company, a shop he co-founded.
“I wanted to land somewhere that suited my sensibilities and Savage fits right into what I think this industry needs going forward,” said Tardio. “My observational eye and humor segues nicely into the roster. Talking to Pavla [Burgetova, EP/founder] and Jay–someone that I have worked with and always trusted–I feel Savage and I together will be a very powerful combination.”
2014 has kicked into high gear for Savage which moved into a new space in Venice while directors wrapping work include Sam Tootal on a Samsung spot through Leo Burnett, Chicago, and Manny B for Dick’s Sporting Goods through Anomaly, New York.
