Young directors propelled Stink to resonant and powerful work

Stink in 2024 went beyond producing compelling films and advertising; it also made a point to foster new and diverse talent to help create it. The result was resonant and future-leaning creative on topics ranging from press freedom to NBA basketball to kitchen appliances—and a move from a A-list Standout in 2023 to No. 10 this year. “All the while, we remained committed to making the world a better place through storytelling and craft,” the production company wrote in its A-List entry. One of the most significant projects undertaken by Stink in 2024 was “The First Speech,” a series of three films for Reporters Without Borders. They depict people artfully shot in a photojournalistic style against a background of inspirational political speeches that are revealed at the end to be the actual words of autocrats Vladimir Putin of Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela. The cinematic work powerfully reminds voters to be wary of politicians using rhetoric to manipulate elections and highlights the value of a free press. See all of Ad Age’s 2025 Agency A-List winners here “The First Speech,” from Innocean Berlin, won a number of awards including the Grand Prix for Good at Cannes Lions. Sharp political commentary of a different character came from Stink director Rhys Thomas, who wrote and directed a satirical music video starring Will Ferrell that aired on “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” The project imagined a “new national anthem,” paying lighthearted tribute to the trivial and not-so-trivial drawbacks of the country as it neared Election Day. Stink turned several projects over to what it called “exceptional young directors” in 2024, including Giordano Maestrelli and Loose. The latter, just 21 years old, helmed an award-winning music video for Fred Again and Anderson .Paak, “Places to Be.” Maestrelli helmed the “The First Speech.” Director Felix Brady had a standout year with his work on the NBA’s playful “Playoff Mode” campaign, which contrasted the intensity of playoff basketball with players unconvincingly denying it’s a special time of year. Chris Rock’s narration and Brady’s fast-moving cuts and unique graphics give the work a frenetic energy that matches the high stakes of the NBA playoffs. The ad series “set a new visual standard for the NBA,” Stink wrote in its entry. “Fits Everywhere,” a whimsical campaign for Bella’s space-friendly kitchen appliances, starred Demi Lovato and showed off director Maca Rubio’s intricate camerawork and creative perspectives. Another noted Stink project was a collaboration with Call of Duty and director Tom Green and director of photography Claudio Miranda. In a first for the combat video game, Green’s ad excluded explicit violence. Stink also strengthened behind key leadership hires in 2024. Justin Steibel took the reins at Stink Berlin, landing major campaigns including Mini Cooper and Reporters Without Borders. Ben Davies, a former executive at Droga5, joined Stink U.S. as managing director, helping the unit with projects including Call of Duty and the NBA. Luca Zamboni helped Stink establish a new office in Milan. And Alonso Sperb was appointed managing director at Stink Brazil. Ian Ruschel also rejoined Stink as a director and partner. Stink said it remains devoted to shaping the future of storytelling across mediums. “We continue to push boundaries, foster talent globally and deliver work that resonates with audiences and brands alike,” the company said. See all of Ad Age’s 2025 Agency A-List winners here

Young directors propelled Stink to resonant and powerful work

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