Oren Kaplan | Los Angeles Comedy Commercial Director

Oren Kaplan is a Los Angeles-based comedy commercial director specializing in smart, character-driven comedy and visual storytelling. His work ranges from grounded, performance-driven spots to bigger visual pieces involving VFX, stunts, elaborate production design and celebrity talent.

Oren's comedy tends to start with character. The humor comes from recognizable people, relationships and behavior, then gets amplified through visual storytelling, production design, editing and, when appropriate, VFX. The goal is comedy that feels smart and specific rather than simply trying to be funny.

Oren is also an experienced VFX artist, which gives him a particularly hands-on understanding of visual effects from concept through final execution. His VFX credits include films such as Nomadland, C'mon C'mon and 20th Century Women, in addition to extensive commercial work.

Yes. Oren has directed commercial campaigns featuring celebrity talent and understands the particular balance required when working with recognizable personalities: giving talent room to be themselves while still creating a strong comedic performance and a clear brand story.

Oren has directed commercial work for brands including Amazon, Ford, Microsoft, Pepsi, Mattel, Pinterest, PayPal, Pringles, Popeyes, Capital One, Walmart, Target, AAA and others.

Comedy is Oren's specialty, but his approach is ultimately rooted in storytelling. He also directs spots built around visual spectacle, action, emotion, celebrity performance, animals (lots of dogs and cats), and VFX. The common thread is finding a distinctive visual and narrative way into the idea.

Oren's directing style combines grounded performances, observational humor and cinematic visual storytelling. He likes comedy that feels natural enough to believe and visually ambitious enough to remember.