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

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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