Creative production partner Tool has added Ava Berkofsky to its directorial roster for commercial representation in the U.S. Berkofsky (they/them), an award-winning cinematographer and LGBTQIA+ voice, has applied their signature visual style to features (The Sky Is Everywhere), television (HBO’s Insecure, Bel-Air), documentaries, and commercials.
Tool becomes the first company to represent Berkofsky as a director for commercials in the U.S. market. Berkofsky has extensive experience as a commercial DP. Having shot campaigns for Nike, Etsy, and Google, Berkofsky has also helped create visual identities for Apple, A24, Amazon, Netflix and Hulu. Berkofsky has additionally lensed a number of film-based art projects with exhibitions at MoMA, Brooklyn Museum, and The Armenian National Gallery.
“We are so excited that Ava is taking the next step in their commercial directorial career with us,” said Nancy Hacohen, managing director at Tool. “Ava is an outstanding filmmaker, and we’re looking forward to helping bring their unique voice and style to brands searching for a strong visual storyteller.”
Berkofsky’s directorial debut was for HBO’s comedy/drama series Insecure, an episode which earned an Outstanding Cinematography Emmy nomination for DP Kira Kelly. Berkofsky is a three-time Emmy nominee (in 2019, 2020 and 2022) for cinematography–all on the strength of their work on episodes of Insecure. Berkofsky also garnered an ASC Award nomination in 2021 for Insecure.
“Growing up in a family of filmmakers, my first language was learned by telling stories with a camera. I’m excited to use a lifetime of experiences to capture unexpected emotions, showcase intimacy, create humor, and discover real beauty to elevate stories and brands,” said Berkofsky, who added, “Tool has an incredible reputation for being home to the industry’s best filmmakers, and I’m thrilled to work with them to make powerful and effective commercials.”
