Production company Mutt Film has signed directors Neil Tardio and Emir Haverić for commercials in the U.S. market. Tardio had most recently been handled in the advertising arena by Durable Goods while Haverić lands his first spot representation in the U.S. (though he was repped for photography in the U.S. prior by Bernstein & Andriulli).
Tardio is a longstanding L.A.-based director whose work spans broadcast, commercials, film, music videos, and screenwriting. Tardio’s signature comedic storytelling for brands such as AT&T, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, ESPN, Ford, McDonald’s, Nike, Verizon and Volkswagen has earned him numerous industry accolades, including Cannes Lions, Clios, Addys, Tellys, London Art Director Awards and a Peabody.
With a sizable reputation for his exceptional fashion and automotive advertising, Haverić melds cinematography and CGI to craft compelling brand projects for clients including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW and beyond. His numerous awards include a Gold at The One Show, Effie Awards, and the Art Directors Club. He was also shortlisted at Cannes and a finalist in the New York Photo Festival.
Mutt Film EP/partner Shannon Lords-Houghton said, “The name Tardio is legendary in our business, but what’s so surprising about Neil is that after literally growing up in advertising he has such a fresh approach and true love for storytelling whether it’s gotta be told in 30 seconds or 90 minutes. And he’s just so funny.”
She added, “I met Emir several years ago in New York and I knew I had to work with him. I’ve always been impressed with directors who can bring a photographer’s eye for composition and style to filming commercials. He effortlessly combines fashion and automotive in a unique and really stunning way.”
Tardio shared, “I knew my creative inclinations aligned with Beth (George, Mutt EP/partner) and Shannon’s vision the moment I met them. I have never been more excited than I am now to be working with them and everyone else at Mutt Film.”
Haverić related, “There are only a few film productions with the ethos and creative standard Mutt instills among their directors and within advertising. I’m excited to become one of the creatives in their growing roster.”
Tardio grew up having the advertising industry as a focal point, with his father owning a powerhouse commercial production company in New York in the ‘80s after an agency career in the ’60s. Following graduating from Boston University, the younger Tardio began his career on the agency side, working as a producer and writer for such agencies at Saatchi & Saatchi NY and DDB Chicago. Soon after launching his directing career, he earned a 1992 Peabody Award for the “Rock the Vote” special with Madonna. In addition to his notable commercial work, Tardio has also helmed television projects, including 32 episodes for the children’s sports program P.E. TV, which eventually aired on ESPN, and the web series “Lifeisode.” His music video directorial success includes high-profile artists The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queen Latifah. His most recent project was a short film shot during the pandemic, called PROPER.
Born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, Haverić gravitated to photography early on as his father and uncle were passionate amateur photographers–he still owns his father’s camera today. He moved to Munich at 18 to study the craft, though a portion of his education was self-taught. Originally interested in fashion photography, everything changed when Haverić worked as a trainee at a large car photography studio. He cut his teeth with the brochure for the 3 Series BMW, which segued to helming campaigns for Mercedes SLK, Smart, and VW Phaeton. Pivoting to film proved a natural shift for the director, who has now worked with assorted major car brands. Upcoming projects include work for Mercedes and BMW across digital and social media.
