Director Johan T. Anderson has signed with More Media, the production boutique led by CEO/executive producer Stephen Buchanan and EP Blaize Stephens. While this his first official signing to a production company, Anderson is already well-known throughout the New York City advertising world for his creative work as a former agency art director and in-house director.
Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Anderson has always set filmmaking as his goal, and it’s a journey that has taken him coast to coast. After earning a BFA in film directing at Emerson College, Anderson interned at Partizan in LA, which first inspired him to get into commercials and branded content.
A move to NYC brought Anderson into the agency world, first as an art director at mcgarrybowen where he worked on Verizon Wireless. From there, he transitioned to Brooklyn agency Big Spaceship, where he launched the in-house content production department. For several years Anderson conceptualized and directed campaigns for various clients including Samsung Mobile, Starbucks, Google, Hasbro, Converse, YouTube, Dannon and more, before departing in 2018 to work as a freelance director.
Known for his keen aesthetic, understanding of character, and fresh production design, Anderson has turned out films that have screened around the world, including his short titled Foreign which was shown at the Cannes Film Festival.
Anderson’s agency experience has provided him with invaluable understanding of how to collaborate with the client as a brand film director. “My background has given me the insider’s view of how passionate the creative, strategy, production and account teams really are,” said Anderson. “As a director, I’m there to bring to life something the teams could have been working on for months or even years. It’s extremely important to respect that and keep that in mind when making a project.”
Anderson’s work has earned a number of accolades, including Webbys, Drums, Shortys, and Hatch Awards.
To date, Anderson’s favorite project is a piece he directed for the International Rescue Committee, a cause he cares deeply about. “I feel so grateful to be able to remind the audience through film, that some of the most influential people in history were refugees,” said Anderson. “I loved the simplicity and beauty of the cinematography and it was such a pleasure directing all of the different actors.”
“More Media has long had my attention as a company,” noted Anderson. “Stephen and Blaize have always collaborated with high caliber directors, and I am honored to join the ranks alongside them. We are teaming up to really push to create projects that are most true to my voice and style. I’m confident excellent work is bound to come from that.”
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