Tuff Contender has signed director Nem Perez for commercial and music video representation. Perez is a mixed-media and experimental motion artist who has directed music videos, branded content and spots for the likes of Chance The Rapper, Flosstradamus, Audio Push, Vic Mensa, Rockie Fresh, Converse, Disney, Peloton and Snapchat. Prior to joining Tuff Contender, Perez was handled by Strange Loop for commercials (Midwest representation) and Anthem Films for music videos. 

“Nem and I worked together many times over the years and something he’s always been able to do with excellence is carry a concept end-to-end for brands--he directs, he animates and he edits,” noted DJay Brawner, co-founder of Tuff Contender. “He brings to the Tuff roster an insatiable drive to captivate audiences through dynamic experiences across all channels.”

Perez’s interest in film began early in life shooting BMX and basketball videos with his friends, but later it became a natural career path when he directed a few commercials for artist Brandon Breaux’s t-shirt design business and several music videos that premiered on BET, MTV and REVOLT. Nurtured in a tight-knit creative community in Chicago, enamored with pop-culture, and working alongside hip-hop artists featured on Fake Shore Drive--an industry website devoted to the Chicago rap scene--Perez and his peers across music, design, and film ideated projects that pushed all of their art forms into the mainstream.

“I always blame my career on my car,” commented Perez.“I had an ‘81 DeLorean that we used for Rockie Fresh’s music video which eventually became a motif for his album and its promotional assets. From there I have been working with artists and brands to bring a memorable perspective.”

Through the years, Perez has worked for agencies Leo Burnett, Tribal, Deutsch LA and, this year, completed the period-inspired, disco commercial for Converse featuring the “A Shirt To Sleep In” collection by Joe Freshgoods, a Chicago-based streetwear designer. Perez most recently directed four spots for Walt Disney World focused on young adult park guests.

“I have been fortunate enough to work with clients where trust runs deep and we’ve been able to create work that pushes boundaries for both of us,” added Perez. “The work is never short of passion when we have this collaborative short-hand. I’m excited to partner with Tuff to expand capabilities for clients and see what’s next.”