Commercial director Randy Hackett has signed with The Joneses for exclusive, national representation. Hackett specializes in comedy, and more particularly a style of comedy that combines realistic performances with quirky situations. Among his most recognizable work is a campaign for Vonage, where people talk about their phone service while bizarre things occur in the background, and new work for Motel 6, where unusual circumstances force travelers off the road in search of lodging. He has also directed numerous comedy spots for ESPN and Major League Baseball featuring sports celebrities.
“Randy’s humor is very much in tune with the times,” said The Joneses executive producer Pam Rohs. “It’s engaging, approachable and drawn from real life.”

Hackett said that he was attracted to The Joneses’ boutique size and national sales reach. He also felt a strong connection with Rohs. “She has an in-depth view of the business. She also has a strong marketing focus and a strategic plan for career growth,” he said.

Hackett got his start as a copywriter. He later served as creative director at the Neiman Group for four years and won numerous awards for his work, including Clios, One Show, New York Festivals, LA Art Director’s Club and ADDYs. While there, he also began working behind the camera and developed his signature approach to humor.

Upon leaving the agency, Hackett turned to directing full time and quickly established himself as a unique comic stylist. His work is noteworthy not only for its humor, but also for the craftsmanship in the art direction and storytelling. “I’ve done a lot of subtle, simple performance based comedy and I’ve done a few pieces that are bigger in terms of storytelling,” Hackett said. “I’d certainly like to pursue more projects that are larger in scope. But at the end of the day the most important thing for me is the talent and performance, and of course whether it’s funny or not.”

Hackett’s skill in working with talent is borne out by his success in drawing natural performances from sports celebrities. His spots for Major League Baseball feature Barry Zito, Andy Pettit, Garrett Anderson and Jim Thome, among others, and most cast the players in deadpan comic roles. The Zito spot has the Oakland A’s pitcher tutoring a group of youngsters in baseball superstitions.
In addition to his commercial work, Hackett has directed long-form integrated campaigns for Showtime and Microsoft, among others. He has also directed web based spots for such brands as Novell/Microsoft and Intel. He is currently working on a documentary film called Sore Losers.

For more information about The Joneses call Pam Rohs at (212) 677-7770. The company is located at 57 East 11th St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003.