Creative and production house Stept Studios has added L.A.-based director Brendan Vaughan to its talent roster for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content.
Vaughan found his way into film by making skate videos in the desert. In order to get experience without taking a traditional route, and no money, he said yes to any job that would get him onto a set, from being a sound guy to being a not-so-good gaffer. His eagerness to try his hand at anything, led him to learn all aspects of film-making. After working on various music videos he landed an ACD role at Beats by Dre, where he focused on moving the brand’s social media presence to a more real and gritty Gen-z targeted space, and gave him insight into the creative process for a brand with a strong DNA.
Vaughan has directed campaigns for global brands such as BMW, Cadillac, Sonos, Mercedes-Benz, and Beats by Dre. He has also directed music videos for Travis Scott, Lil Yachty, Migos, Bastille, Charlie Puth, Alicia Keys, Oliver Tree and Lil Uzi Vert. He was nominated for a 2020 UK Music Video Award for his work with MASN.
Vaughan’s body of commercial work and music videos blend the creative direction he brought to Beats, his passion for European films, fast cars, and his western roots. A great example of this is the juxtaposition in his M4 Rebels spot for BMW. A sleek German car is seen tearing up gritty streets that is kicking up dust on the vehicle, while the narrator echoes to the driver to “rebel.”
Prior to joining Stept, Vaughan had most recently been freelancing. Earlier he was repped by Moxie Pictures.
“Brendan’s work is both edgy and refined which is a space not many directors can navigate in parallel. Stept is known for executing in both of these lanes but seeing Brendan do it so well with automotive and tech brands made him a great fit for our roster,” said David Brickel, managing director, production. at Stept. “His success in Europe and the determination to always be learning makes us thrilled to bring Brendan into the fold and go on this journey together.”
Vaughan described Stept as a company that will allow him “to push the boundaries of filmmaking in a quickly changing commercial landscape. Not only that, but they have avenues that offer more creative freedoms and formats, from ideation to delivery.”
Stept Studios maintains bases of operation in Los Angeles and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
