Epoch Films has signed Emmy-nominated director Adam Bernstein who now looks to meaningfully diversify into commercials and branded content. This marks Bernstein’s return to Epoch who launched his career at the shop more than a decade ago working in the music video arena. Sandwiched in-between these Epoch bookends, Bernstein became a sought after director in episodic TV. Last year his pilot for FX network series Fargo earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nom for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special.
While he continues to be active in TV, Bernstein is committed to making his schedule accommodating for select ad projects. He has hit the ground running, with his first round of Epoch-produced spots for the darkly comedic Allstate “Mayhem” campaign which broke earlier this month. The package of commercials continued Bernstein’s working relationship with actor and Allstate spokesperson Dean Winters who plays the Mayhem character. Leo Burnett Chicago reached out to Bernstein for this latest installment of the Mayhem campaign originally directed by Epoch’s Phil Morrison.
Bernstein is a prolific director, skilled at shooting comedy and drama–or a mix of both. He has directed multiple episodes of shows such as 30 Rock (which went on to earn the 2007 Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series), Breaking Bad, Nurse Jackie, Masters of Sex, Scrubs, Alpha House, Strangers with Candy, Oz, and most recently, Better Call Saul.
Bernstein began his career as an animator before transitioning into music videos in the ‘90s. During that time, Bernstein was given the chance to experiment with a variety of techniques and styles, directing over 70 promos which are now considered classics for the likes of the B-52’s, the Beastie Boys, and Sir Mix A Lot’s pop phenomenon “Baby Got Back.”
Bernstein is now back at his old stomping grounds at Epoch Films. There, he reunites with founder Mindy Goldberg, along with EPs Melissa Culligan and Youree Henley.
“Adam Bernstein comes to the commercial advertising discipline with a fresh perspective, but also with years of accomplished directing experience,” said Goldberg. “Adam has been part of the current TV renaissance, so it’s exciting to have the opportunity to introduce him as a new talent to the area of advertising.”
