Content studio Reverie has signed the creatively multi-faceted director Walter Thompson-Hernández for commercials in the U.S. This marks his first such production company representation in the advertising arena. Known for storytelling across journalism, podcasts, and film, Thompson-Hernández through his work seeks to meditate on ideas related to belonging in communities of color throughout the U.S. and the world.
“My work as a writer-director has been informed by my experiences as the son of a Black father, Mexican mother, and my background as a social justice advocate and educator,” said Thompson-Hernández. “Every community that I am a part of has been historically disadvantaged and has found ways to overcome structural inequities using approaches that center community, care, and compassion. I’m excited to work with the team at Reverie to partner with brands that are aligned with my ethos of creating art that helps our communities heal and move forward towards a world that is just and equitable.”
A Los Angeles native and UCLA alum, Thompson-Hernández began as a New York Times writer traveling the globe, publishing commentaries in both English and Spanish, before his seamless transition into filmmaking. He is the author of “The Compton Cowboys: A New Generation of Cowboys in America’s Urban Heartland,” a compelling story of a group of Black men and women who defy stereotypes and continue the proud, centuries-old tradition of Black cowboys in the heart of Compton, California. The book, released in 2020, is currently in development as a feature adaptation for Searchlight.
The song “California Love,” by Tupac and Dr. Dre, served as a love letter and anthem for a generation and inspiration for Thompson-Hernández to create a personal podcast series of the same name. In the course of its eight episodes, California Love ultimately transcends time and place, to reveal a vision of what it means to belong. An animated television adaptation of the podcast is currently in development. He also recently directed the short film LA28: Surf x LA Olympics 2028, a poem about Black surfers and the feeling water has as a place for liberation and life.
“Walter is a dynamic storyteller and inspiring artist,” said Rich Pring, co-founder/executive producer at Reverie. “We are thrilled that he’s joining our creative enclave, bringing his seemingly limitless well of ideas and insights to the work we will create together.”
Thompson-Hernández’s short film, If I Go Will They Miss Me, is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival this month in the Live Action Shorts category. Reverie directors will have a strong presence at Sundance this year, between Thompson-Hernández’s short and the premiere of Mimi Cave’s feature thriller, Fresh.
