Merman, which has been repping director, writer and actor Rachel Stubbings in the U.K. market, now extends that relationship to a global launch as she joins Merman US. This marks her first commercial representation in the American market as a director.
A respected voice in British comedy, Stubbings began her career in sketch writing and stand-up and has since built a multidisciplinary body of work spanning commercials, film, writing and performance. She has collaborated with some of the U.K.’s most celebrated comedy talent, including Diane Morgan, Adam Buxton, Jen Brister, Sally Phillips, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Lou Sanders and Brett Goldstein.
Drawn to the space where comedy and drama intersect, Stubbings is known for crafting complex, messy characters, grounded performances and perceptive humor rooted in emotional truth. Her commercial work includes directing campaigns for Audible, Freely, Landsec and Boots, bringing wit and humanity to projects ranging from pure comedy to socially resonant storytelling. Stubbings began her Merman journey as one half of BARBARA before stepping out solo, carving out a directorial voice distinctly her own.
In 2024, Stubbings directed “Van Wife,” a short film campaign created in partnership with LADbible to mark Women’s Aid’s 50th anniversary. The campaign generated more than 15 million online impressions, won multiple awards, including two Gold British Arrows, and helped raise awareness of the warning signs of domestic abuse and coercive control.
This was followed in 2026 by a bold satirical campaign, “Based on a True Story,” for NGO Missing People out of BBH London. Using black humor to challenge the way audiences and the British media consume stories of disappearance and loss, the film–named a SHOOT Top Spot of the Week in March–generated 3.6 billion media impressions within its first two weeks. The campaign prompted 16 leading media figures to pledge to report real stories with greater care and respect and went on to win a Cannes Gold Lion for Best Use of Humor.
Alongside her directing career, Stubbings is a course leader for the Writing & Producing Comedy program at the National Film and Television School, where she helps develop the next generation of comedy filmmakers.
Stubbings’ global launch with Merman marks an exciting next chapter in her directing career, introducing her singular creative voice to a wider international market and building on a body of work that demonstrates the power of humor to challenge, connect and provoke.
Stubbings said, “I’ve had an incredible journey with Merman UK already, working on some truly rewarding projects for Women’s Aid and Missing People, alongside fantastic consumer brands. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved together, and I’m excited to be joining the global team and seeing what we can accomplish next. Better find my passport then.”
Ellen Jacobson-Clarke, Merman US, said, “Rachel is a truly original creative voice whose work seamlessly balances bold comedy with genuine emotional insight. She has an exceptional ability to tell stories that are entertaining, culturally resonant and impossible to ignore. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Merman US roster and can’t wait to introduce her work to new partners and audiences around the world.”
Stubbings is currently in pre-production on Craig Ainsley’s feature directorial debut, which the pair have co-written and in which Stubbings will star in the lead role. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027.
