RadicalMedia has signed international filmmaker Vanessa Beletic to its directorial roster for representation in the U.S. spanning commercials, branded content and music videos.
Haitian born and raised, Beletic is a pioneer of branded content. Her work in the commercial space has influenced storytelling that continues to permeate digital culture today, including campaigns for brands like Vaseline, Samsung, Levi’s, Estée Lauder, and Walmart. Beletic’s debut narrative short, Catching Spirits, recently won the Jury Award for Best Live Action Short at the 2022 New Hampshire Film Festival, which made her film eligible for Academy Award consideration. Its broad appeal has seen the film programmed as a genre-bender, a dance thriller, and a drama, alongside the most talked about shorts of 2022. Beletic was recently selected as one of eight filmmakers to join the American Film Institute’s DWW+ Class of 2024, which is a year-long directing workshop that supports women and traditionally underrepresented narrative filmmakers.
Beletic’s music video for Run The Jewels’ “Ooh-La-La” was nominated for the 2020 MVPA, UKMVA, and the 2021 Libera awards. Her work has been featured by Condé Nast Entertainment, Popsugar, Rolling Stone, and Complex.
Moving to the U.S. with her family at 13 years old, Beletic studied dance and education at New York City’s Hunter College and launched herself into an esteemed career as a professional dancer. It was in Los Angeles working with acclaimed commercial and music video directors on projects for Michael Jackson, Prince, and Justin Timberlake, that she decided to pursue her life-long passion for filmmaking.
Beletic brings her diverse background, eye for bold aesthetics, and relentless filter for authenticity to tell stories grounded in reality with characters who defy the odds by way of magic, perseverance, or straight-up hustle. Beletic is also a mentor to several young female filmmakers as part of her advocacy for the advancement of Black women’s voices in film and media.
“When we first saw Vanessa’s work, we were blown away by the maturity and depth of her storytelling. You can sense how personal her work is as it shines through on the screen,” said RadicalMedia president and EP, Frank Scherma. “We look forward to many more years of her stories with brands, on television and in theaters.”
“Radical brings backbone to my creative future–valuing the playful spirit and sense of style that’s at my core,” said Beletic. “I’m psyched to join forces and collaborate with the amazing creatives they attract.
Prior to joining RadicalMedia, Beletic was repped in the U.S. market by Rattling Stick, which continues to handle her in the U.K.
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