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.
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pie’s production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
“We believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,” said Heller. “By blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.”
“Working with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,” shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. “Warm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.”
“The first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,” Heller observed. “Having worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.” Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletop’s brisk international... Read More