Comedy director Amber Schaefer has joined the roster of L.A.-based More Media for spots and branded content.
Schaefer splits her time between L.A. and New York, and spreads her talent among producing, writing, acting, and directing ads, branded content, sketches, shorts, and experiential campaigns. After graduating from Marlboro College with a degree in Political Theory, Schaefer spent years honing her comedic chops at the Upright Citizens Brigade, the Magnet Theater, and running a weekly stand-up show called Sunday Roast at legendary Lower East Side haunt Max Fish. Yet she says she knew stand-up comedy wasn’t her because she “loves art direction and cinematography too much. Nothing makes me happier than nailing a joke through camera movement.”
She spent eight years making content for a mix of artists and brands, from Sam Smith to Google, from Eric Andre to Levi’s. While she previously worked as a freelance copywriter for clients like Toyota, Ford, Microsoft, American Express, Giphy, Expedia, Red Bull, Maybelline, United Airlines, and AT&T, Schaefer now gains via More Media her first official representation as a director.
Schaefer’s writing and acting that originally put her on the company’s radar, after fulfilling both roles for a Smartwater spot directed by More Media’s Ben Berman. EP Blaize Saunders said that upon meeting Schaefer, he knew her gift was special. “The type of work she was doing resonated with me—most people can’t nail her style of comedy. It’s irreverent and unique.”
Shaefer’s first directing gig with More Media was a recent GEICO campaign consisting of a series of absurdly funny snapshots that satirize the insurance company’s ads in a meta way, and which end with a wild-eyed, bearded man revealing himself to maniacally declare, “This IS a GEICO commercial.”
Schaefer was drawn to More Media’s collective-like environment. She said, “I’m a natural-born collaborator. That’s why I prefer improv over stand-up, because you’re creating these worlds together. More Media feels like the perfect place to continue doing that work.”
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