Following a successful and compelling 2008, trio films ushers in the new year by signing award-winning Director Chuck Bennett to its diverse roster. A comedy/storytelling director and former agency creative, Bennett joins trio alongside long-time Executive Producer Andrew Denyer.
“I’ve known Chuck for years – since his days as a creative at ChiatDay. To have someone of his caliber join trio is a true honor, and his fantastic and timeless work is a joy to share with advertising clients and our entertainment partners,” says trio Co-Founder/EP Taylor Ferguson.

Bennett is currently working on his first project via trio – a 5 spot campaign for Southwest Airlines via agency GSD&M.

A self-proclaimed ad junkie, Bennett’s directorial style is steeped in the concept of observational comedy. Driven to connect with and engage audiences, Bennett relies on his acute awareness of the oft-subtle quirks and details of human nature. Bennett’s unique brand of visual storytelling has helmed ads for a range of national brands such as Lowe’s, Campbell’s, Splenda, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Subway, working with agencies BBDO, Draftfcb, Lowe, Cramer-Krasselt and MMB, among others. Bennett also bears the distinction of being one of the first directors selected to shoot a short film for the Sony “Dreams” project, now an industry mainstay.

Bennett’s successful career began at TBWAChiatDay where he quickly emerged into a leading role as creative director/managing partner, working alongside side ad guru Lee Clow. In 2003, drawing on 10+ years experience as an award-winning creative, Bennett launched his own boutique production company, Big Lawn Films.

“There is really nothing more exciting than seeing a good idea come to life. As a director I believe my primary role is to protect and nurture the idea. For me, the process of transforming a simple idea into a story that engages, captivates and entertains is pure joy,” says Bennett.

For Bennett, signing with trio marks a much-anticipated return to focusing solely on the creative; for Denyer, it’s an opportunity to work closely with trio EPs Tauscher and Ferguson, and return to what he to loves most, being an EP and Line Producer, a role he played for the first 4 years at Big Lawn Films.

Ferguson and Tauscher knew Denyer socially before connecting with him through a series of EP-networking dinners. In what was dubbed a “collective,” the group found common ground in passionately dissecting the business concepts essential to success in production. It wasn’t long until Denyer shared a vision with trio, who equally admired the talent of Bennett.

“We all came together in a fantastic way,” says EP Tauscher. “The chemistry was serendipitous from the get-go. Our discussions about great directors came back to Chuck again and again, so when we started talking to Andrew, the whole relationship clicked.”

Bennett says, “I’ve always appreciated Erin and Taylor’s boundless energy, enthusiasm, and resourcefulness. They know the importance of protecting the idea and achieve the best for both clients and their directors with their can-do attitude. They balance the rational, mechanical elements of production with the originality of the creative.”

Bennett describes the ideal collaborative process as a chain reaction, where a good idea builds from concept though completion. This serves well to trio’s symbiotic approach to production, especially in understanding how production can spill into other facets of advertising and marketing.

“Chuck ignites the brainstorming process, responds to big picture ideas, and is very involved in the ad process,” says Co-Founder/EP Ferguson.

Bennett and Denyer are ambitious and excited to usher in new opportunities that transcend traditional advertising borders – including a return to short film. Bennett’s previous two shorts, “Expecting” and “Lemons,” entertained film festival audiences around the country.

trio’s versatile roster of directors has delivered exceptional work spanning TV spots, new media content and film for clients including ESPN, Microsoft, Wal-Mart and Volkswagen, to name a few.

trio’s most recent work includes contributions to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, with two trio-funded PSA’s for Mamas For Obama, as well as the Wal-Mart holiday campaign with The Martin Agency, both directed by Ramaa Mosley.

Bennett has just wrapped up a Lowe’s campaign with BBDO, and a Perdue project with LOWE NY.