ABOUT SAM

LA-based creative writer/director Sam Crawford leaped into the film business after making early strides in NY art world.  Crawford entered the film business as an editor but quickly segued into directing, acting as Director/DP and editor on dozens of spots for ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Capital One, the Atlanta Hawks, and Church’s Chicken, among others.  Prior to that, he received extensive formal training in fine art from the University of Texas – Austin, then received his MFA in photography from UMASS Amherst where he created art installations that combined video and photography.  He was then one of eight people nationally to be accepted into the Core program at the Museum of Fine Art in Houston and, while there, also began working as an art director, set dresser, and draftsman on feature films.  He has also spent time as an actor in improvisation groups, learning to understand comedic performance and dialogue and how build upon a scene from the other side of the camera.

This extensive background makes Crawford both a wonderful dialogue and visual storyteller, but at the end of the day, he sees himself as a naturally comedic collaborator who loves the ad industry. Crawford has recently helmed spots for Verizon, Samsung, Domtar Paper and Fox Sports, McDonald's, Expo 2020 and Dubai Tourism.  The tone and style of each is as different as the clients themselves, but every project has its roots in real human scenarios.

As a writer/creative, Sam has created projects form concept to completion for many clients through the years and was tapped to write short film screenplays for Disney Shorts.

“That’s the core of my being as a creator.  I love to create great storytelling that strikes a deep chord in our collective experience,” Crawford says.  “My passion is to make work that strikes an emotional chord, making you want to experience it over and over again and even share with your friends.  When that happens, I’ve succeeded in creating something that goes beyond the typical ad -- The commercial becomes art and touches us in a truly meaningful way.”

Sam has received top international awards for his work, including multiple appearances at Cannes, The Clios, The One Show and The Addys. Sam was awarded a coveted Silver Lion at Cannes for an experiential project for Domtar Paper in which he helped create an app to assist teachers in teaching handwriting to young kids, documenting the entire process in a beautiful film.