Strategic consultancy and media production company Wondros has brought director Chris Applebaum aboard its roster. He was previously represented by production house HSI.
Applebaum’s credits span such advertising as the Carl’s Jr. trilogy of spots featuring Paris Hilton, Kate Upton and Nina Agdal, and groundbreaking music video work for Rihanna and Miley Cyrus, among other high-profile artists. Over the years, Applebaum has helmed more than 30 number one-ranked videos on MTV.
A Los Angeles native, Applebaum studied film at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is the recipient of multiple awards as well as the venerable honor of having the first music video inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (“Closing Time” for Semisonic). He has directed commercials for a diverse portfolio of brands including Smirnoff, Head & Shoulders, Bud Light, Hugo Boss, John Freida, and Kmart.
“Chris’ versatility in the art form and his ability to ride the line between the sultry and comedic, and the sexy and profane is a skill most directors spend a lifetime accomplishing. He is an asset to the advertising industry as he has a pulse on how to engage audiences on various distribution platforms,” said Anne-Marie Mackay, Wondros’ chief creative officer.
Applebaum joins a Wondros directorial roster that includes Arni & Kinski, Ned Benson, Antoine Fuqua, Noble Jones, James Gooding, Luke Greenfield, Men, Sophie Muller, Mark Pellington, Trent Reznor, Paolo Sorrentino, Shane Valdes, and company founder Jesse Dylan.
“I am a student of art, music and pop-culture and have been offered many amazing opportunities and creative experiences with some of the greatest teams of talent, musicians and producers,” Applebaum said. “I believe in the collective concept of creativity and the opportunity to be part of Wondros will allow me to continue in the mediums I love, while expanding my talents in cause related content development and longer format projects.”
