Alliance of Independent Representatives Announces 3rd Annual Unsigned Diverse Director Showcase

The Alliance of Independent Representatives (AIR) has announced the launch of its highly anticipated 3rd Annual Unsigned Diverse Directors Showcase, slated to take place on May 20th, 2024. Presented by AIR’s Diversity in Talent Committee and sponsored by Simian, the video sharing and reel building service, this showcase promises to be a ground breaking celebration of untapped talent and diverse voices in the advertising industry.

Director submissions are now being accepted, with a deadline of May 1st, 2024 for applications. For submission requirements and entry details, please visit the AIR website here, or the showcase entry submission page here. 

The showcase provides a unique opportunity for underrepresented and unsigned talent to have their exceptional work showcased to executive producers and independent reps within the advertising commercial production community.

Submissions are welcome from directors who identify as women, AAPI, Black, BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQ+, or persons with a disability. Applicants must also be currently independent, without representation by an established commercial production company or post house. Five directors will be selected by our Diverse Judging Committee to have their work spotlighted virtually at the showcase on May 20th. Additionally, the five showcase finalists will be awarded Jordan Brady's online Commercial Directing Masterclass and bonus course, courtesy of True Gentleman and Commercial Directing Film School.

“Championing diverse directors and bringing their work to the forefront emphasises how integral they are to shaping our advertising landscape,” says Dani Jackson-Smith, founder of The Cre8tors and the newly appointed chair of AIR’s DIT Committee, which also includes Sonia Blum and Ally Khajenouri of Sonia Reps, Mary Saxon of Saxon Presents and Sarah Gitersonke of SG+ Reps. “We urge our industry to be without excuse and join us in taking action towards true inclusivity.”

The 2023 showcase attracted over 65 director submissions and more than 100 executive producers, who engaged with the featured work and participated in discussions between the directors and the virtual industry audience, including AIR members, production company and ad agency EPs and distinguished guests from the ADA (Association of Directors Agents).

Now in its third year, AIR’s DIT committee is thrilled to be expanding programming by partnering with diverse community organizations, including Free The Work, ADCOLOR and Creative Cypher, to join the Unsigned Diverse Director Showcase’s jury. Says Jackson, “This is one of several initiatives that our committee is undertaking to create meaningful change and address the overall lack of diversity in the advertising and production industries.”