Acclaimed filmmaker Nanette Burstein has officially signed with Institute for commercial representation, bringing her signature blend of authenticity, empathy, and humor to the production company’s celebrated roster. Known for her ability to craft compelling narratives across documentaries, scripted work, and commercials, Burstein has built a career that resonates with audiences and critics alike.
A Storied Career in Filmmaking and Advertising
Burstein’s commercial work includes campaigns for major global brands such as Verizon, Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Facebook, and JP Morgan Chase. Her advertising accolades include two Emmy nominations and a Silver Lion at Cannes, underscoring her skill in capturing powerful, human-driven storytelling within the commercial space.
Beyond advertising, Burstein has made a name for herself in documentary filmmaking. Her most recent project, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes for HBO, premiered to critical acclaim at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. In 2022, she directed the Netflix docuseries Killer Sally, and in 2020, she helmed Hillary, the four-part Hulu series chronicling Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. The series won a Critics’ Choice Award. They received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series, offering an intimate portrait of one of the most polarizing figures in American politics.
Her past work includes Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee (Showtime), the Emmy-winning The Price of Gold (ESPN’s 30 for 30), and the Sundance-winning American Teen. Burstein also co-directed the critically acclaimed The Kid Stays in the Picture, a visually groundbreaking biography of legendary producer Robert Evans.
A Perfect Creative Partnership
“I’ve known Lauren Greenfield for a long time and have always admired Institute’s vision and diverse slate of work,” shared Burstein. “In an industry historically dominated by a singular perspective, it’s exciting to be part of a movement that challenges the status quo. What Lauren, Frank (Evers), and Tori (Greenfield) have built is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Greenfield echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “Nanette is a powerhouse filmmaker whose work never fails to engage, surprise, and inspire. She brings a unique perspective and an incredible range of storytelling ability across both long and short form. We’re thrilled to have her at Institute and can’t wait to collaborate on meaningful projects together.”
What’s Next for Burstein?
Currently, Burstein is in production on a feature documentary about Carl Sagan for National Geographic, an exploration of the universe and humanity’s impact on it—a timely subject given the state of our planet today.
With a career spanning feature films, commercials, and groundbreaking documentaries, Burstein’s partnership with Institute signals an exciting new chapter, merging her visionary storytelling with bold, innovative brand work.
Reel 360 News wishes Nanette the best of luck at the Institute.
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