Underdog Entertainment announced today that award-winning director Daniel Azarian has collaborated with NYC roots-rock band Whisperado on the music video for their song “Teenage Popstar Girl.”rnrnThe witty, subversive “Teenage Popstar Girl” music video follows an awkward tween who worships an impossibly perfect, airbrushed popstar – only to discover her idol isn’t what she seems. Daniel Azarian brings Whisperado’s quirky, upbeat song to life as a satiric tale in which singers and celebrities are pre-packaged and mass-marketed like plastic dolls.rnrnAccording to director Azarian, the video’s 1960s look was inspired in part by the song’s Americana sound. “It’s a cautionary tale,” he explained. “A young girl gets manipulated and seduced by a manufactured icon. The innocent, retro feel of the video also makes for a striking contrast when we see the more cynical stuff going on behind the scenes.”rnrnThe video features Maxim model and actress Mary O’Rourke (Something Borrowed, Gossip Girl) as Teenage Popstar Girl, and actress Tara Langella as the scheming record company executive. rnrn
rnThe music video can be viewed online here. In addition, publicity photos and production stills can be viewed here.rnrn”Teenage Popstar Girl” is the lead track on Whisperado’s new album I’m Not the Road, and Whisperado lead singer Jon Sobel was thrilled with the way it turned out. “It was an honor to have Dan Azarian create our first video,” Sobel said. “He was inspired by the lyrics and just took off, creating an amazing character in an incredible three-and-a-half-minute story. As soon as I saw the first photo of Mary O’Rourke’s pop-tart makeup, I knew Dan had nailed it.” rnrnSeveral scenes in the video included digital set pieces which were created using Maxon’s Cinema 4D. In addition, Video Copilot’s Optical Flares software was used to enhance on screen lights and paparazzi camera flashes.rnrnAzarian, an established director of television commercials and branded entertainment, recently won two Telly Awards for the PSA “Save Lolita.” In all, he has won five Tellys – including the Silver Award, Telly’s highest honor. He has directed and produced national spots for 3M’s Scotch-Brite brand and Horizon Organic. Blue-chip telecommunications firms and entertainment networks have licensed Azarian’s commercial spots for their US and international mobile networks. This past fall, he directed the “Bullying is Violence” PSA campaign for the Anti-Violence Project.rnrnCreditsrnTitle: Teenage Popstar Girl Music VideornClient: WhisperadornAgency: Underdog EntertainmentrnProducer /Director: Daniel AzarianrnAssociate Producer: Andrew BarisrnCinematography: Milton KamrnPopstar Makeup Design: Jacqueline Catanese, Facez llcrnStage Set Design: Russell SchrammrnChoreography: Maurice ParentrnVisual Effects: Daniel AzarianrnrnUnderdog Entertainment (www.UnderdogEntertainment.com) is a New York-based production company active in producing commercial spots, branded and traditional entertainment.Robert Michael Underdog Entertainment Contact Robert via email 212-807-9552 www.UnderdogEntertainment.com Underdog Entertainment on Facebook here
NYF Advertising Awards Unveils 2026’s Financial and PR & Purpose Specialty Executive Juries
New York Festivals Advertising Awards® (NYFA) is thrilled to unveil the 2026 Financial and PR & Purpose Specialty Executive Jury panels. These esteemed Financial and PR & Purpose Executive Juries bring together respected industry leaders to evaluate work that navigates complexity, builds trust, and drives impact across highly scrutinized and purpose-driven sectors. Financial, honors creativity and integrity in one of the most regulated and high-trust industries in the world. Led by Jury Chair Pete Gosselin, CCO & Co-Founder at Cape, this jury will evaluate work that educates, persuades, and reassures. Winning campaigns demonstrate clear strategy, originality, and brand purpose across any medium, from traditional banking and insurance to next-generation fintech and crypto innovation. PR & Purpose, led by Jury Chair Josh Budd, CCO, NA, at Citizen Relations unites two disciplines grounded in influence, reputation, and impact. PR categories recognize excellence in reputation management, creative communications, and brand storytelling that drives positive perception and goodwill, including corporate branding, crisis management, events, and public service advertising. NYF’s Purpose categories honor work that uses creative communication to inspire meaningful changes in attitudes, perceptions, or behavior, with the goal of making a positive impact on people, communities, animals, or the environment. Each entry is evaluated through the lens of impact, with jurors seeking work... Read More