Emerald Pictures Adds Golden Globe-Winning Director Adam Bernstein

Mar. 18, 2026

Emerald Pictures is proud to announce the signing of acclaimed director Adam Bernstein to its roster. Renowned for his sharp storytelling instincts and trademark sense of humor, Bernstein has built an expansive career spanning prestige television, iconic music videos, and high-impact branded work.

Bernstein’s commercial work is instantly recognizable. He is the director behind many of Allstate’s long-running “Mayhem” spots, featuring actor and spokesperson Dean Winters in increasingly outlandish scenarios. The success of the campaign led Allstate to repeatedly tap Bernstein for additional work, including spots starring Leslie Jones, Tim Gunn, and Adam Devine. More recently, he directed a brand campaign for Uber starring Jillian Bell, along with campaigns for Delta Air Lines and Wescu.

A highly sought-after director in scripted television, Bernstein has helmed the pilots of Strangers with Candy, Scrubs, and 30 Rock, as well as the landmark episode of FX’s Fargo, which earned him an Emmy nomination and contributed to the series’ Golden Globe win for Best Miniseries or Television Film. He also won an Emmy Award as Supervising Producer on the first season of 30 Rock for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Additional television credits include Alpha House, Bored to Death, Californication, Silo, The Sinner, Billions, Nurse Jackie, and Fosse/Verdon. Bernstein has collaborated extensively with showrunner Vince Gilligan, directing multiple episodes of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and most recently, Episode 7 of Apple TV+’s Pluribus.

Across his music video career, Bernstein has directed more than 70 videos, earning MTV Video Music Awards for Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and The B-52’s “Love Shack.” His collaborations span a wide range of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Beastie Boys, and They Might Be Giants.

Bernstein remarks:

“I’m excited to join Emerald. I love working in television, but I miss the pace and sharpness of commercial storytelling. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the Emerald team and getting back to directing some great spots.”

 

Emerald Pictures Co-Founder John Duffin adds:

“I came up in the ’90s making music videos, so my respect for Adam runs deep. I worked with Adam when he was with the Mindy G Mothership ‘Epoch’ way back. Adam brings equal parts comedy and sincerity to everything he directs—finding emotional truth in humor and moments of levity in dramatic work. This balance is exactly what makes a great commercial director. Adam is mad talented in all aspects of the craft, and it is just joyful to work with a true collaborator. We are honored to have him on our roster.”