Timing Is Everything: Afterhrs Meets the Moment With Line-Up of Compelling Directors

Nov. 13, 2023

afterhrs. intensifies its commitment to bringing compelling, diverse, and original talent to brand engagement and longform entertainment with a newly unveiled and growing roster focused on advertising campaigns in all forms. Founded by Thelonious Brooks and Kai Regan in 2022, the creative studio has since delivered imaginative, artful, and timely collaborations with noted clients including Moncler, Crocs (with David LaChapelle), Honda, Amazon, Starbucks, Icy Hot, and Born X Raised / L.A. Dodgers. 

Co-Founder/EP Thelonious Brooks commented:

"Filmmaking and its reflection and imprint on culture - from features to astute brand campaigns - is the force behind afterhrs. Our role is to unite people with a sense of adventure, to spark discussion and inspire great collaborations. Each of the creators embodies this same spirit – boldly considering how to translate ideas to reach audiences in imaginative ways."

The company is known for producing motion and print campaigns with a talent network that is decidedly original, often unconventional, and draws upon expertise in a variety of creative realms, from fashion photography, to feature films, to work that transcends genre. 

These include:

• Original Kids (Loïc Grandin and Kevin Andrade), a Paris-based directing duo whose work is for brands, music videos and short films is groundbreaking, stylish and captivating. Their work for Dior, Louis Vuitton and Moncler usher in new perspectives in fashion advertising, and their short film "Roger" has proven to be a cult favorite.
• Moorhead&Benson (Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson) – are known for fascinating and brain-twisting science fiction and horror fables on the silver screen including Marvel's “Loki" and "Moon Knight," and acclaimed features Synchronic (Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan) and Spring (Lou Taylor Pucci) along with branded content for Canon.  The duo has just been tapped to direct Marvel’s “Daredevil: Born Again.”
• Represented for the Latin/multicultural market, Hans Emanuel has become known for unpretentious yet lavish storytelling in fashion and beauty, along with high-energy films in the arenas of sports and automotive. His work for the likes of L’Oreal, Nissan, Honda and the US Navy is visually arresting and memorable.
• Hala Matar, whose curatorial background meets stylish visuals for energetic and elevated, but accessible fashion films. She is both a visual storyteller and artful curator bringing stunning collaborations within her casts and crews, leaving us only to expect the unexpected.
• Harry Isrealson brings energy and talent in directing/creative directing to the realms of design, music, fashion and culture for some of the world’s top brands and clients including Amazon, Levis, and Beats by Dre along with notable music videos for artists like Toro Y Moi.
• Chelsea Slayter encompasses many vantage points on humanity often delivered in cinematic docu-style and a passion for sports and the outdoors. Her stories are supported with an immersive perspective, including carefully considered soundscapes and music. 
• Brooklyn-based writer/director Josh Borock, is a master of elevated comedy often with celebrity talent including John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, Key & Peele, Tony Hawk and Brian Cranston. Borock has an immense talent to elevate concepts and lead hilarious on-screen improv.  
• Rounding out the roster is partner Kai Regan, who is an ubiquitous figure in the culture of NY and LA’s fashion, art and advertising communities for two decades. His relentlessly authentic aesthetic has defined iconic images and campaigns for global celebrities and major brands. Beginning his career by shooting the original iPod campaign, his work has helped shape defining moments for Nike, Beats, Vans, and The North Face.

Regan concluded:

"In just over a year, afterhrs has earned the trust of brands that want to play hard and explore the boundaries of craft and culture. As a director and creative director, this is a place called home - and from a company founder's perspective, building a creative camaraderie with a roster of contemporary directors is an opportunity to collectively reimagine advertising’s future. The happy medium of art and commerce."