Invisible Signs Human-Centered Director and Storyteller Brenton Gieser

Bold, social issues-driven director Brenton Gieser, teams up with Los Angeles’ Invisible Collective in a thought-provoking collaboration that marks the director’s first commercial signing. Informed by his background as a biracial Korean American, photographer, and tireless social advocate, Brenton’s branded content pulsates with tender humanity, a striking command of film craft, and a dynamic visual approach that connects with audiences.

A filmmaker whose work has screened at DOC NYC, Mill Valley Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, CIFF, SF Indie Fest, and more, Brenton first crossed paths with Invisible Collective after hearing Justin Polk, Invisible co-founder and director, on a podcast about filmmaking. Immediately, Brenton aligned with what Justin and Invisible Collective were all about. 

“I just loved Justin’s vibe and his perspective on creating true, meaningful diversity in the industry with Invisible Collective. I just knew immediately it was a company I had to be a part of,” said Brenton. “I’m so proud to officially be a part of their team. Their perspective on social issue branded storytelling and mine are one and the same - if you come from a place of authenticity and integrity, it will shine through in the work and how people interact with it.”

Creative and executive producer Sam Kelly. Jr. echoes the sentiment, “Our first production together, Brenton blew me away with his keen sense of directing actors and imbuing every shot with meaning. He accomplishes a dramatic approach with a rich visual style that really separates him from so many directors. From that first frame I saw in the monitor on his short for Mass General I immediately saw a future where we're making truly powerful and beautiful films, commercials, and branded content together at Invisible.”

Originally from Half Moon Bay, California, Brenton spent his twenties advocating for those experiencing economic and social injustice at several organisations. At 30 years old, Gieser pivoted from the social sector to visual storytelling after finding solace in taking street portraiture during a particularly dark period of his life. His love affair with photography eventually led him to make his first documentary, Tender Souls, with which Brenton strived to humanise those living in the Tenderloin, one of San Francisco’s most destitute and misunderstood neighbourhoods.

“I went through this kind of really intense dark patch. And during that time, I picked up a camera as a way to cope. It helped create distance between me and the outside world that was becoming overwhelming, and before I knew it, I discovered it was a powerful way for me to tell the human stories I wanted to capture,” said Brenton.

Since, Brenton’s documentary filmmaking and branded content have continued to explore human-centred stories about social issues. His recent spot for Mass General Cancer Centre, entitled 'When your World Stops,' artfully explores what a person goes through after a cancer diagnosis, a moment Brenton is familiar with after being mistakenly diagnosed with cancer at one point in his life. Likewise, Brenton’s goodness and empathetic touch shines through in his other ads, like one for Family and Me (FAM), which explores the realities of child sex trafficking in the bay area, and a covid-era short for Adidas, which explored the inspirational day-to-day lives of 'healthcare heroes.'

“What I care about is people and helping to create a better world for everyone. I’ve always been attracted to social issues and non-profits, so whenever I can do branded work on their behalf and infuse it with a new level of creativity that may be outside of what they thought was possible - that’s what inspires me,” said Brenton.

By that same token, Brenton’s first feature documentary, The 50, tells the story of 50 men who became the first substance abuse counsellors to come out of the prison system. The documentary is set when the California State Prison System was dangerously overcrowded and plagued with widespread drug use. It spotlights the transformational stories of 50 inmates serving life in prison who changed their own lives to help others.

As he teams up with Invisible, Brenton wants to stay true to his passion for social issue-branded storytelling. He looks forward to seeing how Invisible’s reputation, team, and resources can help him maximise his creative potential and the impact of his work.

“Social issue branded storytelling is such an exciting and growing area,” said Brenton. “This is the first roster that I’m jumping on. And I couldn’t be better suited with a company like Invisible, which will challenge me creatively and allow me to level up.”