Aaron Duffy is a creative maker and thinker who joined 1stAveMachine in 2007. Aaron works with a love for visual communication, and always finds unique ways to delight viewers. Aaron’s ability to think outside the box was recognized early on in 2009 with his heartwarming SUPER BOWL spot for Google. His next project for Audi garnered a Bronze Lion at Cannes. In 2015, Aaron was named one of the "30 Most Creative People in Advertising Under 30” by Business Insider. Aaron has racked up numerous awards since and continues to work with some of the biggest brands in the world, helping them tell inspiring stories with extraordinary methods. These brands include Meta, Snapchat, Google, and many more.

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Anthony Dickenson is a talented and accomplished multidisciplinary artist with a strong focus on film, photography, and fine art. With nearly two decades of experience, he has developed a distinct artistic style that is evident in his work across various mediums. As a director and photographer, he has honed his skills to capture emotion and the natural world in a unique and impactful way. His sensibility and vision come through in his heart-wrenching film for World Animal Protection. Anthony’s ability to capture motion in a natural, cinematic, and interesting way and his love for innovative camera techniques caught the attention of many brands including Sony and Amnesty International.

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Baz’s work is colorful, eclectic and surreal, embodying a generation raised on internet culture. He loves experimenting with different mediums beyond advertising, venturing into music artist’s branding and visuals, music videos, and feature films including the SXSW favorite, GAME OF DEATH.  Baz has an incredible range, as seen in the surreal worlds built in KLO PELGAG and the real people vignettes in FACEBOOK ROOMS. He is also the creator and director of Montreal’s irreverent and eye-popping kids variety show, BARBADA, often compared to Pee-wee’s Playhouse.

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Bounty / Banana are Steven Briand and Julien Jourdain de Muizon, two Frenchmen with a passion for creative experimentation and pushing against the status quo. The avant-garde YDA winners fuse their expertise in traditional animation with techniques such as 2D, stop-motion, typography and VFX with captivating and quick paced live action; this was perfectly demonstrated in their widely acclaimed 10 year Anniversary film inTENSity.  These same skills are exemplified in their work for Yoplait and Viceland.  They have become masterful with transitions and playful camera movement best demonstrated in their Visa film.

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Irish directors Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman, known as D.A.D.D.Y., boast a two-decade partnership spanning commercials, music videos, and films. Renowned for irreverent comedy, they infuse cinematic finesse into their storytelling as seen in their work with brands like Frosted Flakes, National Lottery, and Wells Fargo. D.A.D.D.Y. aren't just filmmakers; they're also accomplished authors. Their scientific tomes 100 FACTS ABOUT SHARKS and 100 FACTS ABOUT PANDAS are on Amazon. Their recent horror comedy, EXTRA ORDINARY starring Will Forte, premiered at SXSW, securing 15 awards. It even won Best Irish Film at Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards. They're now developing a serialized version of the film.

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Danielle Katvan is an award-winning director known for her distinctive visual style and offbeat comedic sensibility. Her commercial portfolio includes collaborations with prominent clients such as Google, Facebook, Hilton and Target. Notably, her LEGO campaign, PLAY UNSTOPPABLE, featuring Megan Rapinoe and other international women soccer players, earned a 2024 Gold Telly Award, and her branded film for Vogue, COATCHECK STORIES, won a Silver Clio. Additionally, her comedic expertise shone through in the viral Hilton Hotels campaign THE AD YOU STAY IN, a groundbreaking 10-minute TikTok that ADWEEK named one of the best ads of 2023. While her primary focus is on commercial work, Danielle’s short films have also been recognized, earning her a Kodak Award for Excellence in the Craft of Filmmaking and a World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival for her short film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s THE FOSTER PORTFOLIO. She lives in LA with her wife, daughter and dog, and will always say yes to sushi.

David's a true multi-talented creative, effortlessly juggling roles as a writer, performer, director, and creative mastermind. Comedy is his playground, and he's a genius at turning intricate ideas into relatable storytelling. He's left his mark on various TV gems, notably the Emmy contender IT'S BRUNO on Netflix. Plus, he's cooked up captivating projects for like Youtube, Google, and Heinz. David is also a TikTok guru and award-winning social strategist. He kickstarted the "Group Hug" TikTok channel, and is one of the co-directors and writer behind Hilton Hotels' THE AD YOU STAY IN, a 10 minute TikTok Ad that racked up 30 million views and snatched multiple awards from DA&D, One Show, and AICP.

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Em is a versatile director, photographer, and Installation artist. Her approach is focused on the belief that embracing new formats & tech can help us tell better stories. Em is influenced by surrealism and finds inspiration and joy in places where the high brow and the low brow co-exist. Her visual style is a sensorial combination of a soft aesthetic paired with the witty and hyperreal. Em’s distinctive visual style can be seen in campaigns for TikTok, Facebook, Little Moons and more. Her print work has been featured in international publications and exhibitions.

Emil Nava is one of the world’s most prolific music video directors and has been instrumental in forming long-lasting creative relationships with artists and brands, taking them to the international level. His diverse and influential work as a director and creative director has gained 25 billion views on YouTube and multiple awards including 5 VMA’s. Nava has worked with industry giants such as Calvin Harris, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Post Malone, JLo, Pharrell Williams, Selena Gomez, Eminem and many more, and global brands like McDonald’s, Mercedes and GAP. Recognized for his keen understanding of the zeitgeist, youth culture, fashion, and pop sensibility, Nava’s unique voice and creative vision has created culture shifting work, some of the most notable music videos by the world’s biggest artists.

Emil is also an advocate for open discussions about mental health in the creative industries, sharing his own experiences with mental illness, addiction and recovery on social media and through his 2023 Manchester Film Festival award-winning feature, SNORKELING. Now, Emil is harnessing his skill as an award-winning director and his passion for nature, wellness
and connection to create powerful, meaningful mental-health content.

EspadaySantacruz is a pioneering hybrid design studio, seamlessly fusing craft, innovation, technology, and creativity. Their exceptional work in projects embracing robotics, AI, and filmmaking have garnered them numerous awards, including Cannes Lions, Clios and D&AD Pencils. This collective already has an award-winning portfolio of projects: notably a clever spot for JOSÉ CUERVO where two AI robots go on a date, a campaign for CARVANA in which they used AI to create 1.3M personalized videos and KLICK HEALTH'S first ever AI radio DJ. EspadaySantacruz seamlessly infuse innovation and premiere filmmaking into works of art that elegantly communicate a brand’s message. 

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Guardabrazo uses AI to tell stories, bringing his unique perspective as a creative technologist and visual artist to the team. His work merges code, design, and storytelling into striking digital experiences that challenge traditional boundaries. With a passion for experimentation and a deep understanding of emerging technologies, Guardabrazo creates projects that redefine interaction and narrative form. From generative visuals to immersive installations and AI-driven content, his work often plays at the edge of human intention and algorithmic surprise. As a collaborator across both artistic and commercial contexts, he combines technical mastery with bold creative vision—crafting conceptually rich, emotionally resonant work for a rapidly evolving digital world.

Henri and Sebastian, an esteemed directing duo, have a built a robust international portfolio. These two directors came together to combine their talents in live action, animation and storytelling. Renowned for their high-energy campaigns, they have notably contributed to brands like Facebook and WhatsApp.  Their work is characterized by meticulous art direction and clever execution as seen in commercials like OREO COOKIE PEOPLE and LEGO CUBE.

‍They have an uncanny ability to meld mediums and bring a master cinematic eye to everything they create. 

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Jonathan Gurvit, an award-winning creative director of over a decade, seamlessly transitioned to become a director, impressing global audiences. His projects, fueled by fearless imagination and courageous curiosity, stand out—like the captivating Palacio de Hierro film. Notably, his cinematic prowess shines in sweeping spots for brands like Toyota and Renault. A heartwarming Mercedes spot, INTELLIGENCE BY YOUR SIDE further highlights his diversity and ability to tell human stories that visually wow an audience. Jonathan has secured 18 Cannes Lions, 20 Clios, and over 400 other industry awards. His trajectory underscores his exceptional ability to blend vision and storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

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Karim is a prominent commercial director renowned for his vivid and colorful style, consistently enhanced by meticulous art direction and captivating in-camera techniques. Karim has become a go-to director with brands like Target and Google, but he has an extensive portfolio encompassing diverse genres and brands. Beyond his directorial achievements, Karim extends his creative prowess to design, objects, sculptures, and painting, reflecting a multifaceted artistic approach. His professional journey resonates with an ethos that fuses work and play, resulting in a body of work that is both innovative and intellectually engaging.

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Lake Buckley is a proficient multidisciplinary director, designer, and creative director. Known for her ability to infuse a touch of enchantment into her projects, Lake deftly blurs the boundary between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Her past role as a creative director enriches her work, translating her visionary concepts into dynamic creations that hit perfectly on the core communication. A keen innovator, Lake seamlessly melds practicality with imagination, resulting in a portfolio that captivates. Her work has earned recognition from respected platforms including Fast Company, Sundance Film Festival, ADC Young Guns, SPD Awards, and the Walker Art Center. Lake's artistic finesse and masterful combination of direction and design always uplevels her work.

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Lucas Ortiz's film La Fenêtre was listed as a finalist for the Webby’s Best Use of AI category 2025. Lucas leads innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible with artificial intelligence. With a background in visual arts and creative technology, Lucas fuses conceptual depth with technical precision to craft narratives that are emotionally rich and future-facing. His work spans film, interactive media, and digital experimentation—often challenging the line between human and machine-made creativity. Driven by curiosity, he’s passionate about reshaping how stories are imagined and brought to life in the digital age.

Marc Reisbig is a distinguished film and animation director. He leverages his knowledge of many visual techniques into powerful films that have a contagious energy. Whether it's in his stop motion work like FROOTI or his live action films like WALMART, Marc expertly injects a sense of humanity and humor in a perfectly balanced manner. His creative portfolio encompasses music videos, short films, documentaries, and commercials for prominent brands such as Ikea, United Airlines, Sony Playstation, Facebook, Microsoft, Volkswagen, and Citroen.

Mathery is a unique Italian directing duo rooted in film, design and photography. Their work ingeniously disrupts everyday life, weaving humor and exquisite art direction into eye popping work. Experts in constructing abstract realms, as seen in A101 and GOPUFF, yet comfortable with grounded worlds like AMEX. Striking a balance between personal projects and commercial ventures, the duo transforms each scene into an avenue for observing and reshaping our familiar world, infusing it with intrigue, irony, and satire.

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Maxime Bruneel is a seasoned director renowned for seamlessly blending live action and animation to create a contemporary, visually striking universe. His expertise spans art direction, graphic design, typography, and film. Maxime's portfolio defies artistic confines, characterized by a fluidity in techniques. The music video YOUR LOVE directed for The Aston Shuffle, achieved widespread acclaim, showcased on Motionographer, Fubiz, Stash, IdN, and Vimeo Staff Picks. This propelled Maxime into prominence, cementing his reputation in stylized, minimalist motion design, bolstered by fervent engagement within the web community. He has worked for brands such as Facebook, L’Oreal, Adidas and Gatorade.

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Ricky is a British-Jamaican video director with a passion for impactful visual content. Ricky has collaborated with celebrities and artists such as Skepta, Marcus Rashford and Jorja Smith  as well as brands like Nike, Vogue and Amazon. His unique lens transcends stereotypes, radiating grace & authenticity. Rickys’ work with renowned brands highlights his culturally unique tone, which have functioned as an important voice for the Black community and other underrepresented communities. His content provides an alternative perspective, which is apparent in his spots, YOUTUBE BLACK EXCELLENCE and INSTAGRAM BLACK PERSPECTIVES.

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Roman Rütten brings a unique and personal perspective to his creative journey and embraces diverse collaborations, celebrating the richness of backgrounds, orientations, and skills. His global work has honed his craft across genres, from documentaries like GUIDED FRAME to sleek lifestyle spots like YOUTUBE MUSIC, to narratives like LIFE OF A STRANGER, and animation—his original field of study. Roman's true passion lies in crafting compelling human stories, often with diverse and inclusive casts, evoking genuine emotions. He treasures authentic connections formed through his work and his ultimate satisfaction lies in touching lives through his films, a drive that fuels storytelling pursuits. His work includes brands such as Garmin, Sonos, Oppo and Google.

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Ron Brodie, a culturally attuned filmmaker who incorporates his bicultural Jamaican-American heritage into his work, boasts an impressive portfolio spanning commercials, music videos, and branded content. He's directed commercials for Spotify, Instagram, Chime, and Airwalk, showcasing his versatile storytelling skills. Ron has also helmed projects for major television networks like MTV, BET, Discovery, and HBO. Notably, his short film JUMPMAN shot on 35mm film, premiered on Boooom.TV and earned recognition on Vimeo's 'Experimental' and 'Narrative Category' channels. Additionally, Ron garnered acclaim for his contributions to Bob Marley's NO WOMAN NO CRY music video, securing an official Vimeo Staff Pick.

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Tim Bierbaum is a comedy director that excels at telling absurd and outrageous stories with a grounded and playful approach. He has an extensive background in short form comedy, most notably the legendary YouTube video Everyone's Upstairs Neighbors. As both an articulate writer and versatile director, Tim has led high-impact campaigns with 1st Ave Machine for clients ranging from tech giants Meta and Google to global leaders like The UN to renowned brands like CeraVe. Past clients include Comedy Central, Above Average, Entertainment Weekly, Pop Sugar, Mojo Supermarket, Snapchat, and The ACLU. He directed digital series for Broad City, Astronomy Club, and Alternatino. Tim is an actor's director, facilitating naturalistic performances from non-actors to celebrities and everyone in between.

Director Tim Brown spans a wide range of disciplines, including set design, fashion photography, art direction. He has directed music promos for artists such as SBTRKT and Tinie Tempah, and has an impressive body of commercial work that includes collaborations with prestigious clients like YouTube Music, Samsung, Macy’s, and Channel 4. He skillfully weaves together diverse elements to craft captivating visual narratives. His impressive projects demonstrate his abilities to combine innovative art direction with a stylised yet organic feel and playful tone. This is exemplified in the WE MAKE TODAY campaign for Instagram, and in the visually powerful film with Lewis Hamilton for BOSE.

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Tomi Dieguez is a dynamic figure renowned for his directorial excellence, and creative innovations. His directorial achievements exude design and visual uniqueness. He is a master of live action and animation, with the ability to create powerful stories in either medium, often combining them as seen in ARE WE THERE YET. Tomi's creative breadth extends to his animated series LITTLE BIG AWESOME which premiered on Amazon, winning an Emmy for best art direction. He loves experimenting with new techniques and technologies blurring the limits between innovation, design and storytelling in everything he touches.

Will is a London based director making design driven films. His interest in the overlapping worlds of live action and animation can be seen in his work with Lego and  Facebook WHM, a collaboration with Em Cole, while his animations for Duplo, Facebook, New Balance and Google showcase his passion for world building and play.

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