Creative studio Even/Odd has signed filmmaker Dave Laven for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Even/Odd will also support nonfiction and fiction feature projects for Laven, a multidisciplinary writer, director, and producer whose film and advertising work encompasses the worlds of art, music, film, fashion, and technology.
An Indian-American raised in San Francisco, Laven draws upon his unique roots to make colorfully absurdist nonfiction and fiction films, taking a global point of view and sharing marginalized stories that reveal unsung perspectives. As a director, his music videos for AP Dhillon, Kilo Kish (feat. Miguel), and the A$AP Mob have earned acclaim. Well-versed in brand partnerships, he has collaborated with Khaite, Heron Preston, Alexander Wang, Nike, McDonald’s, Pepsi, The North Face, Spotify, Beats By Dre, and many others. As a writer, he recently completed the script for his upcoming feature directing debut, Pico, a dark buddy comedy set in his hometown of San Francisco, produced by Drake’s DreamCrew.
For Laven, joining San Francisco-based Even/Odd’s roster of directors is a bit of a homecoming. “Being from San Francisco is and always has been important to me,” he explained. “The city is ground zero to a certain ethos–where we embrace weirdness, challenge the status quo, and champion outside-the-box thinkers. That’s also what drew me to Even/Odd–their dedication to supporting innovative filmmakers while still embracing diversity and a philosophy of inclusion. This isn’t just a studio–they’re a family, a winning team, and a community of like-minded filmmakers with a proven track record for making smart, beautiful, and thoughtful work that stands for something.”
Similarly, Laven has highlighted difficult truths in much of his work. He secured a Primetime Emmy nomination–in 2018 for Outstanding Informational Series or Special–alongside actor Michael K. Williams for Raised In The System, a look at the U.S. juvenile incarceration system responsible for more than 850,000 juvenile arrests annually. Laven produced and directed the first episode (special) of Raised in the System for VICE on HBO. Laven also won a GLAAD Award for Church and States, his film exploring religious freedom laws and how it is still legally acceptable to refuse services, housing, or employment to people because they are LGBTQ+. Other films in his body of work have been recognized by SXSW, TIFF, Milan Fashion Film Festival, Directors Library, Vimeo, and the Clios.
“We’re independent spirits at heart, and Dave is the same way–doing whatever it takes to bring a story to life,” said Even/Odd co-founder and director Mohammad Gorjestani. “But more than that, he has really exceptional taste–the type of thing that isn’t teachable. His ability to execute commercials and films, and infuse each with his knowledge of culture and art, makes him a rare talent. Now that he’s backed by Even/Odd, we’re excited to see where that talent takes him next.”
Prior to joining Even/Odd, Laven was most recently represented by Alldayeveryday for commercials and branded content in the U.S. Nicole O’Connel at Hart Represents continues to handle Laven for music videos.
