Creative studio SixTwentySix has added director Matt Shaffar for North American representation, marking his first official signing to a production company roster.
Hailing from Irvine, Calif., Shaffar had his passion for filmmaking ignite at Northwood High School, where he was part of the FilmEd Academy of the Arts program. He further refined his craft at Loyola Marymount University, earning a degree in film and TV production. It was at LMU where Shaffar formed a pivotal partnership with Cole Sanchez, now staff producer at SixTwentySix, who has been instrumental in the director’s career journey.
“Years ago, SixTwentySix co-founders Jake Krask and Austin Barbera plucked me out from a haystack and have since been guiding and nurturing me into the director I am today. I have absolute certainty in the future success of SixTwentySix; it’s rooted in the unwavering support Jake and Austin offer to every creative involved,” said Shaffar. “Their leadership ignites a fire within us, propelling us to face any obstacle head-on, and emerge triumphant.”
In a joint statement, Krask and Barbera shared, “Matt’s unique vision and ability to connect with modern audiences make him an invaluable addition to our team. His creative energy and dedication are unmatched, and we are excited to further propel him and champion the incredible work he will produce with us.”
Shaffar has already directed projects for agencies such as Ogilvy, VML, and Loomis, and brands including The Lego Group, Hollister & Co, PATH Water, and Gore-Tex. He has collaborated with artists like Bebe Rexha, Two Friends, and Nicky Youre, with his projects amassing tens of millions of views and premiering in iconic locations such as Times Square.
Late last year, Shaffar directed the first brand spot for PATH Water, a significant project that involved building the creative and brand identity from the ground up with SixTwentySix acting as both the brand’s creative agency and production company. Recently, he directed commercial campaigns for Wahl and Fitness Connection, and is currently working on a back-to-school campaign with Brands&People in Mexico City.
Sean “Diddy” Combs Is Arrested In NY After Federal Indictment
Sean "Diddy" Combs, the hip-hop mogul who has faced a stream of allegations by women accusing him of sexual assault, was arrested late Monday in New York after he was indicted by a federal grand jury.
The indictment was sealed and details of the charges weren't immediately announced by prosecutors, but the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Damian Williams, confirmed in a statement that federal agents had Combs in custody.
"We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time," Williams said in a statement.
Combs was arrested in a Manhattan hotel lobby, according to a person familiar with the arrest who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said Combs had been cooperating with the investigation and had relocated to New York last week in anticipation of charges being brought.
"We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney's Office," Agnifilo said, describing his client as a music icon and a "loving family man."
"He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal," Agnifilo said in a statement, adding "Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court."
The criminal charges are a major but not unexpected takedown of one of the most prominent producers and most famous names in the history of hip-hop.
The federal investigation of Combs, 58, was revealed when Homeland Security Investigations agents served simultaneous search warrants and raided Combs' mansions in Los Angeles and Miami... Read More