Director Laurence Thrush has joined STORY for exclusive representation covering ad work in the U.S. With work marked by naturalistic storytelling and cinematic style, Thrush has helmed commercials for such brands as ESPN, HP, Amstel Light, McDonald’s, Mastercard and Honda. Among his recent work is a campaign for University of Florida Health that compares the problem-solving skills of the medical center’s staff to the ingenuity of kids.
Born in England, Thrush began his career as a documentary director, editor and writer. His 2000 documentary Fidel’s Flight, a moving portrait of four Cuban men, screened at festivals worldwide. He began directing commercials in 2003 and that same year was a finalist for young director honors at the Clio Awards and the Cannes Lions. In recent years, he has also directed three critically lauded narrative films, including The Pursuit of Loneliness, which was nominated for an Audience Award following its premiere at Sundance.
Thrush’s commercial work is informed by his background in documentaries and independent films. Most of his spots are visually-driven character pieces with emotional weight. “Chalk,” from his campaign for UF Health, is a case in point. It centers on a teenage boy who stays after class to fashion a holder for his teacher who is always losing her chalk. “Healthcare and pharmaceutical advertising is often formulaic,” he said, “whereas these spots were much more about stories. They have a lot of humanity and warmth. I thought that was a great approach.”
Other recent work includes “Forever,” an ad for McDonald’s, which tells a touching story of a man and his daughter without dialogue, and “Brought to Life,” in which two kids use various types of Cheerios to build a colorful picture on their kitchen table.
Having been recently working as a freelancer, Thrush was eager to find a home with a production company that saw the value in his work and was committed to building his career over the long term. He said that he felt an immediate connection when he met STORY executive producers Mark Androw and Cliff Grant. “I was bowled over by Mark’s approach to the industry; it was solid, creative sharp,” he recalls. “I like how Mark and Cliff work together, and how involved they are with their directors. They take great care in who they bring on and how they manage the portfolio of the company.”
Androw described Thrush as “a gifted storyteller whose work connects with people in a deep and meaningful way.”
STORY is represented on the East Coast by Ilene Silberman, in the Midwest by Amy McIntyre, in the Southeast by Miller + Associates, and in the Southwest by Gossip!
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