Synthetic Pictures has taken on commercialmakiing and branded content representation in the U.S. for docu-style storytelling director Jeff Feuerzeig, winner of Sundance’s top documentary directing honors for the feature The Devil and Daniel Johnston.
“As a company with such strong Austin roots, it makes sense that Jeff is now working with Synthetic,” said Allison R. Smith, executive producer at Synthetic Pictures. “Jeff has directed so many exciting projects, but he is forever linked to Austin’s indie rock legend Daniel Johnston.” Feuerzeig also collaborated on another project with Austin’s own Mike Judge on his series Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus, which even further strengthened Feuerzeig’s ties to the creative hub.
“They really get me as a director,” said Feuerzeig of Synthetic’s creative leadership. He and company founder Justin Corsbie cemented the partnership over strip mall Thai noodles at one of Anthony Bourdain and Jonathan Gold’s favorite haunts on L.A.’s eastside. “I came out of the early punk and indie music underground, inspired by The Maysles, D.A. Pennebaker, and the American Indie Film movement. It was obvious they have a shared love of that indie ethos that makes for an instant creative shorthand.”
Feuerzeig has directed notable branded campaigns for clients such as Google, HBO, Nokia, VICE, Samsung, IBM, and RBC Bank. He’s also amassed an impressive list of entertainment directing credits including: AUTHOR: The JT LeRoy Story acquired by Amazon Studios, released theatrically, and nominated in 2017 by the Writers Guild of America for Best Nonfiction Screenplay; The Real Rocky for ESPN’s acclaimed “30 for 30” series; and HBO Presents Backstories, an animated nonfiction series profiling the creators of HBO hit shows Game of Thrones, The Righteous Gemstones and Barry.
Smith said, “Jeff is a creative force. We believe his talents are most fully realized when he gets involved early, collaborating with creatives during the concepting phase developing ideas around his unique creative approach of blending visual and audio media.” Feuerzeig has become known for his docu-style narratives that often mix live action, 2D and 3D animation, still photography, sound design, and other art forms to create a kaleidoscope of storytelling and imagery.
Feuerzeig was formerly with Reverie Content and prior to that, Green Dot Films. His new home, Synthetic Pictures is an award-winning production house specializing in commercials, branded content, and filmed entertainment. The company has worked with clients including Ford, Nissan, Starbucks, Shell, Amazon, Samsung, Infiniti, Dairy Queen, Burger King, P&G, Kellogg’s, and Vegas Tourism. Synthetic’s indie feature film Hard Luck Love Song was released in theaters nationwide in fall 2021 by Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate. Founded in 2002, Synthetic Pictures has offices in Los Angeles and Austin. Feuerzeig joins Synthetic’s diverse roster of live action directors, accompanied by visual effects division SP/FX.
