The Sweet Shop has added director Rob “Whitey” McConnaughy to its roster of global talent. The Portland-based director’s work, both on television and the web, has garnered worldwide attention for its clever concepts, skillful execution and unique brand of comedy. McConnaughy got his start making snowboarding films at the age of 21 with a secondhand Super 8 camera. From there he went on to direct countless snowboard and skate films and later on helped create the mega-hit Jackass films for MTV before transitioning into mainstream music video and commercial work. His latest web endeavor is a viral stunt with rock ‘n roll legends ZZ Top. McConnaughy’s penchant for breakthrough web marketing includes his famous Nike “Hyperdunks” campaign featuring Kobe Bryant jumping over a speeding Aston Martin….Italian director Federico Brugia has joined Filmmaster Productions for global exclusivity. His spot work has been recognized at the Cannes Lions Festival, the Clios and the NY Film Festival. Brugia’s first feature film,Tutti i rumori del mare, was awarded the Special Prize at the Annecy Italian Film Festival. Brugia has also directed various music videos such as Elton John and Pavarotti’s “Live Like Horses”…Director Karen Cunningham has returned to Slim Pictures for U.S. representation. She had spent the past year repped worldwide by Partizan before opening her own shop in the U.K., Pop-Up Films. She reunites at Slim with exec producer Tom Weissferdt; the two worked together on campaigns for such brands as Crayola, Toys R Us, and Danon. Weissferdt’s collaboration with Cunningham dates back before Slim when the two were at Caviar….Sam Ketay, a director known for notable docu-style work for commercials, brand films and other content, has joined Lucky Twenty One. His talent for bringing a real people sensibility to brand-driven storytelling is reflected in projects for Citizens Bank, Martha Stewart, and Motorola. Since 2009, Ketay has been working independently, directing, shooting and editing projects for Ogilvy and others including the Educational Alliance and Goodwill Industries. He was previously with Crossroads….
