Commercial production company Aris has signed comedy director Michael Miller for his first exclusive spot representation in the U.S. and Canada. Miller has over 20 years of film production experience, helming projects for brands including BMW, Cheetos, Doritos, Salesforce, Liberty Mutual, and Xfinity. Through Aris, he has directed content for IBM and Embodied.
“We love Michael’s comedic voice, experience with dialogue, and fantastic pacing,” said Greg Bassenian, managing director/executive producer at Aris. “With his background as a director and editor, he is a multi-threat talent with a firm grip on how to shape narratives that resonate with today’s audiences. He’s also well-aligned with the scope of social media deliverables required of the contemporary media and advertising landscape.”
Miller added, “Building on the incredible run we’ve had collaborating on a freelance basis, Aris already feels like home. What I appreciate about working with Greg is his enthusiasm and down-to-earth, genuine approach. I know I’m in good hands here and look forward to working with Aris officially and exclusively.”
Miller launched his career in Los Angeles as an assistant camera operator, intending to become a director of photography. Moving to San Francisco as a freelancer gave him opportunities as a content creator at ad agencies Edelman SF, FCB West, Teak, and DDB, where he worked on short-form brand storytelling for clients such as Starbucks, Jansport, and Google.
Next, he landed at Goodby Silverstein & Partners as a content creator in the agency’s Social Plus department, collaborating on social-first campaigns for Xfinity, Soda Stream, and Frito Lay (Cheetos, Doritos, and Pepsi.) Miller was soon elevated to the director’s chair after clients quickly recognized his prowess in shaping the overall creative vision of campaigns through his contributions to concept development, storytelling, and artistic direction. The promotion paved the way for him to helm high-profile campaigns for the San Diego Zoo and BMW.
Miller said comedy has always been his north star. He cites the old-school comedy of the ‘90s and award-winning work like Goodby’s “Got Milk?” campaign as sources of inspiration.
“Casting and timing are everything when it comes to emphasizing comedic moments,” said Miller. “While casting may be time-consuming, it’s one of my favorite parts of the process–connecting with the talent, getting their perspective on the character and place in the story, and seeing how they respond to a director’s curveball.”
Miller recognizes that commanding a set goes far beyond connecting with on-screen talent. It requires a deep appreciation and understanding of the pivotal role that artists and crews play in unlocking a production’s full potential. “From cinematography to editing, I came into my own as a filmmaker through hands-on experience and learning from the best,” says Miller. “Through these collective experiences, I’ve become fluent in the language of crews and have a tremendous respect for the heart, soul, and expertise they bring to the magic of cinema and storytelling.”
