Director Michael Shapiro joins commercials outfit Spears & Arrows

Renowned commercials director Michael Shapiro has joined Santa Monica commercial production company Spears & Arrows.

Shapiro has helmed commercial spots for leading brands including Nike, Jeep, AT&T, Starbucks, Energizer, Goodyear and Bank of America. He’s also directed episodes for TV series, such as CSI, Soldiers of Fortune and Tremors. As well as off-Broadway theatre productions.

“I have known Shapiro for about five years now, and I am most impressed with Shapiro’s ability to immerse himself into the storytelling process,” said Spears & Arrows founder/MD Jason Wolk. “He considers objectives, relationships, humour, conflict and joy.  In every slice-of-life moment we have these real elements, and Michael knows exactly how to capture authentic moments on-camera without ever being saccharine.”

Shapiro added: “As a director I try to strip away as much as possible, any sense that there’s a director’s hand anywhere. Not even like a documentary, but rather as if you’re in the room with these people. It’s about finding the right location, hiring actors that are just a little bit unexpected, and giving them the freedom to find that perfect moment.”