Production company, Hey Wonderful, has proudly announced the signing of action-comedy director Cassandra “Cassie” Brooksbank for commercials and branded entertainment.
Brooksbank, known for her dynamic and rule-breaking approach to filmmaking, brings a fresh perspective to the world of advertising. Her filmmaking philosophy is succinctly captured in her No. 1 rule: “DON’T BE BORING.”
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This principle is evident in her previous high-impact works, including Pepsi’s “Selfie,” featuring soccer legend Lionel Messi navigating through a crowd of fans, Rexona’s “Cab Hell,” a humorous take on a chaotic morning commute, and General Tire’s “Vegas 2 Reno,” capturing the essence of the longest off-road race in the US.
“I look for courage in advertising,” explained Brooksbank. “I love bold, brave creative that isn’t afraid of going for it. People have to live in the real world every day. I aim to give them something that provides an escape and shows the world in a heightened light.”
Sarah McMurray, Hey Wonderful’s Partner/Executive Producer, expressed admiration for Brooksbank’s magnetic work, stating, “Cassie’s film and energy are magnetic—her work jumps off the screen and really cuts through the clutter.” McMurray highlighted Brooksbank’s clear point of view as a filmmaker and commended her for pushing creative boundaries, particularly in the male-dominated genre of action/comedy.
Michael Di Girolamo, Hey Wonderful’s Founder and Managing Partner, recognized the uniqueness of Brooksbank’s work, describing it in one word: “BADASS!” He noted her exceptional ability to bring cinematic conventions of action and comedy to commercials and praised her understanding of performance and working with celebrity talent.
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Brooksbank’s journey in the film industry began at USC Film School, where, after an unconventional path, she developed a keen interest in filmmaking. Inspired by iconic films and their creators, she delved into the world of commercials, drawing inspiration from directors who started in the same space.
After film school, Brooksbank founded her production company, The X-Collective, where she directed projects directly for clients, building an impressive reel. Her talents caught the attention of industry leaders, including Great Guns Founder and CEO Laura Gregory, who signed her and facilitated her entry into large-scale action-comedy projects.
Known for her storytelling prowess and preference for in-camera action scenes augmented by VFX, Brooksbank’s expertise extends beyond cameras, lenses, and rigs. She values collaboration with mentors, such as stunt coordinator Hugh O’Brien, to bring creative visions to life.
In addition to her commercial success, Brooksbank is set to direct the action-comedy film My Masterpiece with Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions in 2024, starring Academy Award nominee Maria Bakalova.
Hey Wonderful’s signing of Cassandra Brooksbank reinforces its commitment to supporting innovative and diverse voices in the entertainment industry, making a notable stride in championing a female director in the action/comedy genre.
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