Mutt Film Signs Legendary Music Video and Commercial Director Chris Applebaum for US Representation

Chris Applebaum has signed with bi-coastal Mutt Film for commercial. music video and branded content representation. Chris is a tough man to categorise. He started directing music videos at 19 and went on to become a multiple MTV award winner and six-time Grammy Award nominee. He has directed some of the most iconic videos of all time, including Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Britney Spears’ “Overprotected,” and Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.”

Chris’ music video for Semisonic “Closing Time” was the first music video inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Applebaum has also created some of the most memorable and successful commercials ever made including multiple Super Bowl spots. His massive campaign with 72&Sunny for Carl’s Jr took the brand from middle of the pack to a multiple million-dollar industry leading company. The commercials he directed were edgy, sexy and very funny. It was daring work at the time, helping the brand define itself and take its place in the popular zeitgeist.

Fashion and beauty are genres that became natural fits for Chris’ ability to make women look absolutely stunning. His grasp and appreciation for lighting are at the core of his success.

Campaigns for John Frieda, Wella and Head&Shoulders are just a few he put his signature

stamp on. He has a natural gift for handling celebrities and it springs from his true appreciation

of their talent. He knows how to make them comfortable and that’s partly because they see how dedicated and prepared he is. No one on a set is working harder or smarter than Chris.

Of course, he can shoot products and mouthwatering food too. Chris has filmed hundreds of great spots including Muller with Nicole Sherzinger, Rooms to Go with Sophia Vergara, Sketchers with Kim Kardashian, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s.

“We are excited at Mutt to welcome Chris not only because of the rich history and massive talent, but also because of how he has brought his well-honed skills to new work for social media,” said EP Beth George. “I’ve never seen someone with this much energy and delight in what he is doing. He is taking fashion & beauty to a very modern place. It’s raw natural lighting, handheld cameras and in your face performances. We love it and can’t wait to see what new work we can create together.”

Chris is joined at Mutt by his long-time EP Mike Brady. About Chris, Mike said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chris across many different areas of advertising and content. He is truly a talent, and brings enthusiasm and experience to everything he directs. His standout work for Yum brands was an eye opener, and he made the work unique and cool!”

Said Chris, “People remember when I was 19 and signed with Propaganda/Satellite and making all the cool music videos. But what they don’t know about me is that I haven’t aged (internally). I embrace new technology, shoot a lot of stuff on the iPhone, shoot with smaller crews, and have thrown myself headlong into technology and film production 2024. It was important for me to align with a company that saw me as a Swiss Army Knife and to support how I embrace social media, the new era that we’re in, and where we’re looking FORWARD and not back. This union brings the expertise and experience of decades of filmmaking, which means we can make fast, great, easy decisions about production, and marries it with the bright, exciting, childlike wonder of looking.”