Director Josh Hayward has joined the Believe Media roster for U.S. and U.K. representation spanning commercials, branded content and music videos. The New York-based Hayward has a body of ad work that includes such brands as GM, Lincoln, Park Hyatt, Amazon, Sony, and collaborations with agencies BLKJ Havas, Droga5, and GSD&M. His commercial and short film work have earned him a gold Young Director Award at Cannes Lions, a Vimeo Best of the Month’ selection and features in Nowness, Boooooom!, Communication Arts, and the FWA.
“Josh’s range from docu-storytelling to building other worlds is what caught my interest,” commented Believe CEO/EP Liz Silver. “As we continually tailor our directing roster, we’re excited to welcome Josh to our team and start building and telling impactful stories together.”
Hayward was last repped in the U.S. by Derby. Believe becomes the first production company to handle him in the U.K. market.
After graduating from design school, Hayward began a career in advertising working for Emmy-winning marketing agency Digital Kitchen. Initially focused on graphic design and animation, as a former musician, Hayward began to expand and blend his craft to better connect with and translate cultural moments.
When Canon 5Ds originally hit the market, Hayward traded in his guitar to purchase one, along with a plane ticket to Kenya, where he joined a childhood friend working at an NGO in Africa’s largest urban slum. Two weeks in and around Nairobi led to a series of short films. Selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick, Hayward’s film A Girl’s Life featured young Eunice Akoth who shares her experience growing up in Kibera and celebrates the spirit of those who, in the face of tremendous odds, are joining together to change their society.
Returning to his role at Digital Kitchen, Hayward saw this series of films lead to more opportunities to direct and he began to oversee teams of creators across tabletop, live-action, and postproduction as a creative director. His experience extends from concept to execution to the edit room–all with great attention to detail. His work has continued to take him around the globe where he’s filmed professional boxers in Thailand and communities in Myanmar. In Yangon, Hayward documented the cultural renaissance happening in this historic city, capturing a rare glimpse into a country in extreme transition amidst democratic and military reforms.
Hayward’s recent work with GMC and Leo Burnett expand the world of the all-new Hummer EV. Shot across Colorado and Utah, a resulting 20 spots create an otherworldly tone from alien landscapes to a futuristic charging station on the edges of the Salt Flats, highlighting the mix of high-tech performance and raw power of the world’s first fully electric and off-road capable vehicle.
Hayward said, “I’m looking forward to the depth of expertise and inspirations ahead with Believe. Each of their talent take the craft seriously and are pillars in the industry–driving visual innovation, creating iconic work and pushing culture forward. After meeting Liz, I felt we spoke the same language about what truly great work should look like and can’t wait to get started.”
