Craft Thrives with No-Nonsense Creative Nourishment at Gravy Films

Brent Stoller is the founder and managing director of LA-based production company Gravy Films – a company he started in 2015 to “get back to his roots” after 15 years marketing in the entertainment realm. He initially rented space from Noam Murro and Shawn Lacy’s Biscuit Filmworks – who represent his director twin brother, Aaron Stoller, to this day – describing the “foundational” relationship as “a wonderful launch pad” for the business.

“We have evolved into a company that carries similar quality and values in the work that we put out, while maintaining a smaller roster and hands-on approach that I love,” he tells LBB. “Here we are nine years later, stronger than ever.”  

After starting his career in the on-air promos department at MTV, producing, writing and even directing at that “epicentre of creativity” for over a decade, Brent then moved within Viacom to become SVP of creative content at Paramount Pictures. “It was a wonderful experience, but I started to feel like I was going to die in a conference room,” he says. 

“Maybe I would get a little memorial plaque on the bench outside with my name on it one day, if I was lucky. It was an endless meeting cycle, and I longed for the freedom to just make good things with good people.” 

Above: Brent Stoller, founder/MD at Gravy Films

This resulted in Gravy Films, and its core philosophy: “Be a trusted boutique company that makes great work with great people.”

Brent elaborates, “We aim to collaborate with partners who share a love for what we do and leave the nonsense behind. What makes us stand out is our commitment to the craft and the people that make the craft thrive. We champion the growth of storytellers, wherever they are in their journey, and nourish a supportive environment for not only our roster of amazing humans but also the agencies, clients and crew that bring everything together.

“Someone once referred to us as a tasteful little car with a lot of horsepower,” he adds. “I liked that. I’m not a big monster truck guy.” For Brent, Gravy’s size is one of its greatest assets. Being intentionally small ensures every project and person gets the focus and commitment they deserve. “We never take on more than we can handle, and whether the project is big or small, we put our hearts into everything, fully supporting our talent and partners. Oh, and we have a lot of fun doing it!”

Above: Gravy Films director Crobin Leo on set for American Cancer Society shoot

This people-first attitude and appreciation towards collaborators came from Brent’s varied experiences, from delivering coffee and cleaning bathrooms to producing huge live events like the MTV Video Music Awards and Super Bowl halftime show. 

“At Paramount, I worked on campaigns for the ‘Jackass’ and ‘Anchorman’ movies. I’ve been on the creative, production and client side, so I feel like I know where people are often coming from, no matter their agenda,” he explains. “Working with wonderful people - and some not so wonderful people – has taught me the value of collaboration and integrity.” 

He adds, “We're incredibly lucky to do what we do for a living, and we want to collaborate with people who feel the same sense of gratitude.” When looking for new directors for the roster, Brent wants masters of their craft, but only if they’re also a genuine pleasure to work with. “Our directors are not only insanely talented but also diverse, collaborative and innovative… The fact that we have so many repeat clients is a pretty good sign that this approach works.”  

Gravy films recently worked on a show-stopping campaign for Harrah’s Resort SoCal, featuring comic actor Martin Short as some of his well-known characters – and even a musical number. Brent describes the Cameron Harris-directed campaign as “a dream come true”. 

“The agency and client are incredible partners we’ve built a lot of trust with over the years, so they really let us rip,” he says. “We were involved in every part of the process, from brainstorming all the way to delivery.” This included composing and recording an original song with Motive Sound for Martin and a full band to perform.

“The man can sing! He’s a true entertainer. Working with Martin in some of his most iconic roles was just the best. I even got to see Jiminy Glick [Martin’s fictional interviewer character] devour a meal for ten with my own eyes – something not many people can say.”  

He continues, “Like most projects, we had to cram four days of work into three. But our crew was phenomenal – [DoP] Ben Seresin was behind the camera, Dan Butts handled the production design, Method were on VFX and Aaron Langley edited. It was the dream team, and thanks to some meticulous planning and the strong trust we’ve built, we pulled it off. The wrap cocktail might have been the best I’ve ever had.”

Another recent project from a Gravy Films director that struck a chord with Brent was Crobin Leo’s piece for the American Cancer Society. “His meticulous and quirky eye brought a sense of hope and charm to a deeply sad and all-too-common subject. I’ll go ahead and speak for everyone in advertising – working on projects for good causes is deeply rewarding. Also, fuck cancer.”

He also remarks on his admiration for Laura Murphy’s recent Whataburger spot which “took some bigger creative risks” and directing duo Trent and Marlena’s Disney work. “The two of them have such an amazing ability to capture authentic performances from both young and old. I don't know how they do it. I’m an over-breeder with four kids, and my theme park experiences are usually just tears and barf.”

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, Brent shares that he’s “officially gone down the AI rabbit hole” and is finally emerging on the other side. “The sleepless nights lost in existential thought are behind me, mostly thanks to my amazing shrink and some Xanax, and my fear has mostly been replaced with genuine curiosity and awe.”

He’s now trying to become fluent in the emerging tools and technology being powered by AI, and is encouraging all of Gravy’s directors to do the same. “I think storytellers will win at the end of the day, and I’m betting that it's going to be technically fluent, nimble boutique shops like Gravy rising to the top.”    

He adds, “Our goals for 2024 and beyond are simple really. Continue to make good work with good people. As far as upcoming projects are concerned, we have a number in the pipeline that I wouldn't dare mention because of the NDAs, but I will tell you I couldn’t be more excited about our current roster and partnerships. We also just signed two new world-class directors – Kat Coiro and Tomas Jonsgården. Let’s go!”