Iranian-American writer and director Abteen Bagheri has joined Serial Pictures for commercial, branded entertainment and music film representation in the U.S. and U.K. Bagheri works internationally across commercial and music films, narrative fiction and documentary.
His prolific body of commercial work spans brands including Google, Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Samsung, Nike, Smirnoff, Adobe and Lexus. Prior to connecting with Serial Pictures, Bagheri had been repped in the U.S. and U.K. by RadicalMedia.
“Abteen embodies raw cinematic talent with his unique creative writing, sharp eye for casting and humorous allegorical world building. He has the uncanny ability to find poetry in the mundane as he portrays the nuances of human behavior through their endearing traits, insecurities and remarkable strengths,” said Serial Pictures founder Violaine Etienne.
“Honestly, this is a match made in heaven,” said Bagheri. “I’ve respected Serial’s roster for a long time and admire Violaine’s visionary leadership. Together, I know we can create lasting, boundary-pushing work. I can’t wait.”
Most recently, his music video “HEADSPACE/Bent” for artist Benjamin Earl Turner saw him collaborating with cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi and animatronics artist Alec Gillis of Studio Gillis. The comedy-thriller-fantasy film, which features an impressive seven-foot animatronic as Turner’s accomplice, won Best Hip Hop Video at the 2023 UKMVAs and was shortlisted at SXSW’s 2024 Music Video competition.
An avid musician, Bagheri began his directing career helming music videos for artists such as A$AP Rocky, whose “Peso” video earned a UKMVA Best New Director nomination. Following this, Bagheri released the documentary short, ‘THAT B.E.A.T.’, which premiered at Sundance, and was an official selection at SXSW.
Originally from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, Bagheri graduated from Stanford University studying creative writing and English literature. He currently resides in his hometown, where is editing his new feature-length music film.
