Hello Lester Ayala!

Daria Zeliger thought I should introduce myself to you, so I made this custom page on my site to give you some info on why I think I may be a new and valuable resource for you and your team.

Based in NYC, I am a commercial director with a background in motion graphics.

I have worked freelance and full-time at medium to large ad agencies as an Art Director (design/motion) and in-house producer/director/editor.

Several years ago, I incorporated myself to operate freelance and as a legit production company (I have insurance & payroll).

I can also operate in other unique ways that suit my clients.

For example, I do work for a small agency called Lighthouse Creative. We have a client/vendor relationship, but I embed with their team. The agency gave me a company email, and I managed the client for them. I participate in the creative, and when it's time for production, my production company hires crew, actors, locations, etc., and manages the entire project to completion and delivery.

Through Lighthouse, I had the privilege to work on many Amazon Pay projects. The projects encompass live-action shoots with motion graphic elements and animation projects. Sometimes I do design; other times, I work with Amazon Pay's in-house designer and animate their graphics.

I'm capable, flexible and always try to push the creative to new heights. I'm also efficient and get along well with others. My sets are always relaxed while working hard. I'm a good leader because I set and maintain a fun but no-drama tone others follow and appreciate.

Below is a selection of work I've produced and directed. You can also skim my site and see other works if you like. You'll see I like comedy and human moments. I'm good at directing actors to get real performances. I can even get real people comfortable - check out the Holiday Gift Guide below.

I'd love to meet in person or virtually at your convenience.

Best,

Axel Gimenez
axeltg@gmail.com
(310) 403-8198

 

I produced, directed, edited, colored, finished, and delivered this spot. This video is one in a series of four. I also designed and animated all the on-screen graphics.

I produced, directed, edited, colored, finished, and delivered this spot. This video is one in a series of five. I also animated all the on-screen graphics which the Amazon Pay in-house designer designed.

I produced, directed, edited, colored, finished, and delivered this spot. This is the teaser of a long holiday series. I also animated all the on-screen graphics which the Amazon Pay in-house designer designed.

All the on-screen talent were Amazon Pay employees. This project was filmed in Seattle while I was transitioning from being a full-timer at Omnicom. 

While in NYC, I found a sound stage in Seattle and drew a light plot for them to pre-rig the lights. Then, I took a few days off work and flew to Seattle, renting a minivan and buying $2,000 worth of Ikea furniture to decorate the set. That evening I built everything on the set. The next day, I filmed everything. After wrapping, I returned all the Ikea furniture and flew back to NYC.

One of several super low-budget spots for Spotstillery.  A service that licenses commercials to small local businesses. This was just me and the actors.

A comedy film for the tech company HCL. This film opened their annual conference. The challenge was to help the actors with the technical dialogue that HCL's engineers vetted.

A contest sponsored by several ad agencies and the New York Times to find the next great advertising talent. I directed several video pieces for the call to action and the online contest's interactive portions.

//Deets

Axel Gimenez is a commercial director that specializes in comedy and lifestyle.

I also direct episodic+film in various genres, including sci-fi, horror, and the absurd.

I like my commercials funny and heartfelt. And my narrative dark. Very dark.

It's like Yin & Yang—Fire & Ice. 

//Contact

I'm an independent director :)

Be my pen pal. I'll write back. Promise.

axeltg@gmail.com