VENICE, Calif.—Noted comedy director Stephen Kessler has signed for exclusive commercial representation with Venice-based Trio Films, the year-old shop headed by executive producers Taylor Ferguson, Erin Tauscher and Annie Hanlon. Based in Los Angeles, Kessler had previously maintained his own company, bicoastal Promiseland, which he has since shut down.
The director’s final project through Promiseland-a shop he opened in late 1999-was a campaign for software company Intuit via Suissa Miller, Los Angeles. Last year, he also conceived, wrote and directed a humorous three-spot package for the Oxygen Network’s Sunday Night Sex Show (SHOOT, 1/17, p. 7). In the client-direct promos "Delivery," "Grandpa" and "Jacuzzi," people instigate candid conversations about sex toys, the G-spot and masturbation at inappropriate times, much to the shock and dismay of their companions.
Kessler recently took some time off from commercials, and during the hiatus took stock of what was going on in the industry. "I decided that the best [way] for me to focus on getting the best commercials was to be at someone else’s company," he said. "I knew Taylor had started a company, and I thought I’d like to work with someone like her. They also have great reps and a great support system [at Trio]. I think some good things will come of it."
At Promiseland, he also helmed ads for such clients as Budweiser via DDB Chicago, and the Los Angeles Times out of Ground Zero, Marina del Rey, Calif.
Prior to running Promiseland, Kessler spent seven years at bicoastal HSI. He was nominated for a Directors Guild of America (DGA) Award as best commercial director of ’91 based on spots for MasterCard, Giant Eagle Markets, MCI, Tony’s Pizza and Jack in the Box. He made the transition to director in the late ’80s, after having served as a copywriter at Chiat/Day (now TBWA/Chiat/Day), Los Angeles.
Notable Kessler-helmed credits over the years include assorted commercials like Snapple’s "Wendy" campaign from ’93 to ’96 via Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners, New York; ’97 prime-time season promos for the ABC Television Network’s "TV Is Good" campaign out of TBWA/ Chiat/Day, Los Angeles; and a New York Mets package last year, which included "Friendly Advice," a commercial that made SHOOT’s "The Best Work You May Never See" gallery (7/13/01, p. 11). The ads were created by davidandgoliath, Los Angeles.
Kessler’s other commercial credits include ads for ESPN, Kia, Saturn, Got Milk?, Pizza Hut and the California Department of Conservation.
Kessler has also helmed the features The Independent and Vegas Vacation, as well as the Academy Award-nominated short film Birch Street Gym.
At Trio, Kessler joins director Mike Wang and director/designer Suzanne Kiley. The company is represented on the East Coast by Stenz & Co., on the West Coast by Boss Talent and in the Midwest by Nikki Weiss & Co.
