Amex spotlights Issa Rae’s writing process in playful, fictional-meets-real commercial

Rohan Blair-Mangat directs 60-second spot from Dentsu that blends Rae’s writing self with the screenplay she’s imagining

Published On
May 25, 2023
Issa Rae in a yellow blazer smiling as she writes on a computer

Editor's Pick

Issa Rae’s latest collaboration with America Express shows the “Insecure” creator at work—in a stylish yet lighthearted 60-second commercial where she sits writing at her computer, as her imaginings come to life around her.

Rohan Blair-Mangat of Eleanor directed the spot through Dentsu Creative. We’ve seen this type of setup before, but Rae’s charm and the assured direction from Blair-Mangat breathe life into the format.

 

Sophie Gold, founder and president of Eleanor, said the spot “champions the imaginative power of creative voices,” and that Blair-Mangat’s work “explores the profound connection between creativity and space, skillfully blending flexible, imagined worlds with the physical reality of their creators.”

Rae has worked with Amex for several years, supporting Black businesses in 2021 by promoting ByBlack, the first nationwide certification program for Black ownership, and participating in a holiday pop-up shop. In 2022, she teamed up with Amex Travel to create a travel itinerary for her favorite city, Paris.

Her other recent brand work has included a fashion line launched last fall with Delta Air Lines.

Credits

Date
May 25, 2023
Client :
American Express
Agency :
Dentsu Creative
VP Global Brand Content :
Allison Silver
Manager Global Brand Content :
Kiera Patterson
Global Managing Director :
Luke Kenny
Global Executive Creative Director :
Julie Scelzo
VP Account Management :
Chad Whatcott
Account Supervisor :
Chas Bogatz
Account Executive :
Stephanie Chan
Executive Producer :
Carly Salaman
Creative Director :
Rebecca Albert
Associate Art Director :
Tracy Okafor
Associate Copywriter :
Grace Barratt
Senior Content Creator :
Andrea Kent
Senior Business Manager :
Marie Sawicki
Senior Talent Manager :
Hilary Olsen
Production Company :
Eleanor
Executive Producer :
Sophie Gold
Director :
Rohan Blair-Mangat
Producer :
Missy Evans

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Project Type