O Positive Films has added comedy director/writer Amber Schaefer to its roster for commercial representation. Schaefer is known for her irreverent tone and distinctively stylized short films, sketches and commercials. Her first work with O Positive is “The Job” for Native’s playful holiday campaign via agency M/H. She also serves as one of Saturday Night Live’s short film directors, where she most recently directed New Cast Advice and Pinx Period Underwear ft. Amy Schumer. And Schaefer’s award-winning short film NYC Tips and Tricks (2022), as funny as it is poignant, distinctively captures the cultural zeitgeist and pokes fun of influencer culture.
“I started watching Amber’s sly weirdo hilarious Instagram posts a few years ago and didn’t even make the connection that she made ads,” said director David Shane of O Positive. “She has that rare thing we’re always trying to find — a real authentic voice. Smart and smartly funny and 15 degrees off center. And for all the beautiful absurdism, she always finds the vulnerable humanity in the characters.”
Schaefer said, “I was always a huge fan of David Shane and everything O Positive. When I met the team for the first time I was in shock: not only are they the best in the biz but they are all genuinely really good people with huge hearts. I feel incredibly lucky to be represented by the best comedy focused commercial production company in the world.”
Schaefer, who grew up in Vermont and Oregon in a hippie family, started her career as a line producer, while also acting and copywriting for brands. She has an extensive network in the New York and L.A. comedy scenes, which grew from her sketch and improv experience as well as directing Jimmy Kimmel Live, Funny Or Die and College Humor, in addition to her own comedic shorts. She currently directs the pre-taped films at SNL.
Schaefer brings a strong comedy writing background for punch-ups and story to her work. She finds inspiration in everything from observing the ways people talk, dress and decorate their homes to watching classic films from Wilder, Antonioni and Cassavetes and watching bad television and Tiktok’s.
One of her greatest attributes is a strong rapport working with talent on performance, as seen in commercials she’s directed for Dos Equis, Geico, Smartfood, Coach and many others. “Being alive doesn’t last long,” Schaefer surmised. “I want to make great work with talented people, but I want to have fun doing it, too.”
Prior to joining O Positive, Schaefer was handled in the ad arena by Caviar. She is repped by 3arts for TV and film.
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More