Comedy director Oren Kaplan has joined the commercialmaking roster of ArtClass. Kaplan is known for his expertise in visual effects and his experience working with celebrities, as well as his work with major brands including Amazon, Jeep, Ford, Microsoft, Mattel, Pepsi and Quiznos. He also directed a powerful campaign, replete with Easter eggs, for Concussion Awareness, starring Rebel Wilson, which highlights the importance of recognizing and treating concussions.

“Oren’s approach to filmmaking aligns perfectly with our values at ArtClass,” said managing director Rebecca Niles. “His positivity and can-do attitude aligns with our ethos, and his work is innovative and visually stunning. As soon as I saw the flame-thrower shot from his Rebel Wilson spot, I knew I had met my match. We’ve hit the ground running right out of the gate on some exciting campaigns, and the sky’s the limit.” 

Prior to joining ArtClass, Kaplan had been most recently repped in the spot sector by Great Guns USA.

Kaplan’s debut feature, The Hammer, premiered at the 2010 AFI Film Festival, winning the Breakthrough Film Award. The movie is based on the life of UFC fighter Matt Hamill and features a cast of primarily Deaf actors. It won seven consecutive audience awards before its theatrical run and release on Netflix. He followed it up with the pulpy action thriller, A Mother’s Rage, starring Lori Loughlin.

Between directing jobs, Kaplan works as a visual effects artist on films such as Oscar-winners Nomadland and 20th Century Women. He loves talking to other directors and has hosted over 300 episodes of “Just Shoot It,” a podcast about the craft and business of being a filmmaker.

“ArtClass is infused with positivity and supports talent in a genuine way,” said Kaplan. “The passion from the team is electric; they see creative opportunity rather than boundaries and have a hand in shaping both advertising and longform content, which is very compelling to me. I look forward to seeing what we develop together.”