Content
The Inheritance
This Obie Award-winning teaser spot introduced the smash London play to New York audiences. As the writer and creative director, my goal was to create a mood piece that encompassed the history of this landmark play, along with the decades of gay history it explores.
Agency: AKA NYC
Wicked
One of my most satisfying creative experiences was writing, developing, and creative directing this series of broadcast spots for WICKED on Broadway. The task was threefold: to give the main character of Elphaba (aka The Wicked Witch) a more central role, to show how the characters aren't what we traditionally think they are, and to show the immense spectacle of the show.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Before working with AKA, The Met never ran television advertising.
Ever since working with me as their Creative Director, the Museum has entrusted me to write and direct an increasing number of broadcast spots for their exhibitions. Below is a sampling.
Agency: AKA NYC
Associate Creative Director/Editor: Sam Veal
The Met wanted to spread the word to Gen Z and Millennials that admission is Pay What You Wish for New York residents. My solution was a paid social ad using influencers with a deep love for the Museum.
With The Met's marketing team, I interviewed, wrote a script, and directed the onsite shoot. The result was a dramatic increase in program awareness and visitation.
Gypsy
I had a ton of fun concepting, writing, storyboarding, and shooting this TV spot for one of my favorite Broadway musicals ever.
Agency: AKA NYC
Oh, Hello on Broadway
To describe the unique nature of this show, I conceived a pre-opening TV campaign where Nick Kroll and John Mulaney meet their stage alter egos Gil and George. Using an iconic New York setting, the Central Park bench, the spot successfully explained to audiences that this show was about two 30-somethings playing two Upper West Side 70-somethings.
After the show opened to rave reviews, I re-conceived the footage as an homage to 70s TV credit sequences, a favorite of Gil and George.
Agency: Serino Coyne
Anastasia
For this broadcast spot, my aim was to capture the emotional sweep and eye-popping spectacle of ANASTASIA, based on the animated film. We're selling the classic Broadway experience.
Agency: AKA NYC
Covenant House
To honor 50 years of Covenant House, I wrote and creative directed this video. The intent was to show the seriousness of unhoused youth in America, convey the Covenant House's services, yet remain uplifting and inspiring.
Agency: AKA NYC
Editor: Sam Veal
The YMCA of Greater New York
During the pandemic, New York's YMCA needed video content to make people aware that they were open and safe. As the project's Creative Director, I conceptualized the videos, wrote the scripts, interviewed various members and staff, and collaborated with the editor to make a series that reflected the generous spirit of the Y.
Agency: AKA NYC
Editor: Sam Veal
Once On This Island
To help ONCE ON THIS ISLAND campaign for the 2019 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, I envisioned a featurette that showed the creation of this unique, immersive production, and captured the heart of the creators. I lead a team of interviewers, film directors, and editors to capture the brilliance of this musical. And guess what? It won the Tony Award!
Agency: AKA NYC
The Phantom
of the Opera
Here's one of my first broadcast spots. Simple, yet I love it so. Taking previously shot footage, my task was to capture the epic romance of Broadway's longest running musical.
Agency: Serino Coyne