Chelsea Pictures Announces Two New Executive and Creative Appointments

Chelsea Pictures, long a creative bastion for directors and helmed by owner and President Lisa Mehling, announces the hiring of Executive Producer Michel Waxman and signing of directing collective The Bear. 

Michel Waxman will helm Chelsea’s LA office, and serve alongside VP / Executive Producer Pat McGoldrick. Waxman began her career cutting her teeth at Creative Management Partners, where she learned the ropes from a veritable who’s who of reps and executive producers while also building lasting relationships with clients. Waxman went on to form her own firm, MBW Represents, with Academy Films, Park Pictures and Rattling Stick amongst others on her roster. She most recently served as Executive Producer at Serial Pictures.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible Chelsea team to help foster its continued evolution as a leader, not just in advertising, but in all branded entertainment partnerships for our inspiring group of directors,” Waxman said of the opportunity to join Chelsea’s leadership team. 

“Michel is universally regarded for her creative pedigree, and her ability to support and grow directors,” said President Mehling. “In getting to know Michel, I have been incredibly impressed by her ambition and drive, and it is very much in sync with my own vision for the future of the company. Pat [McGoldrick] and Michel are my dream team!”

Chelsea is also pleased to announce the signing of Emmy Award-winning directorial collective, The Bear. Founded by Austin filmmakers Berndt Mader and Ben Steinbauer, The Bear has been bringing its authentic, funny, and candid directorial style to brands since its founding a decade ago. 

“We are thrilled to be part of the Chelsea family and honored to be on a roster with such talented directors,” Mader said. “Chelsea's work and reputation are a testament to the dedication Lisa has shown in building the company. We are excited to bring The Bear's skills, talents and thirst for honey into the Chelsea fold." Steinbauer added, "We are long time admirers of Chelsea's work and their standing in the industry. Combining forces with such a powerhouse is a thrilling opportunity for us to grow as directors. We can bearly contain our excitement! (Our love of bear puns is rivaled only by our love of fancy appetizers).”

Mehling went on to say about The Bear, “From the moment David Gordon Green introduced me to Berndt and Ben, I knew that The Bear was ready to take their ethos and aesthetic to the broader national market. As filmmakers, their approach and style is spot on with what agencies and brands are looking for.” Mehling added, “It’s going to be awesome to work alongside Berndt and Ben and The Bear team. Like bears to honey, I’m confident we will find tremendous success together.” Notable clients of The Bear include Whole Foods, Stubhub, Yeti, Alfa Romeo and Crate & Barrel, among many others.

Chelsea Pictures represents a roster of acclaimed directors including David Gordon Green, Lauren Greenfield, Alex Gibney, Bruce Hunt, Jack Cole, Nadav Kander, Amir Bar-Lev, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Thomas Beug, Alan Poul, Gregory Jacobs, Matthias Zentner, Peyton Wilson and Erik Madigan Heck. Chelsea Pictures operates bicoastally with offices in New York and LA. Chelsea is represented by Denise Blate Roederer of RHODA on the East Coast, and Doug Stephen & Partners in the Midwest.