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Director Michael Miller joins Aris
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Comedy director Michael Miller signs with Aris for exclusive representation in the US and Canada.
Commercial production company Aris has signed director Michael Miller for representation in the US and Canada.
Known for his comedic sensibilities, nuanced performance direction, and visual storytelling, Miller brings over 20 years of experience directing campaigns for brands including BMW, Cheetos, Doritos, Salesforce, Liberty Mutual, and Xfinity. Through Aris, he has directed content for IBM and Embodied.
“We love Michael’s comedic voice, experience with dialogue, and fantastic pacing,” says Greg Bassenian, managing director and executive producer at Aris. “With his background as a director and editor, he is a multi-threat talent with a firm grip on how to shape narratives that resonate with today’s audiences. He’s also well-aligned with the scope of social media deliverables required in today’s media and advertising landscape.”
“Building on the incredible run we’ve had collaborating on a freelance basis, Aris already feels like home,” adds Miller. “What I appreciate about working with Greg is his enthusiasm and down-to-earth, genuine approach. I know I’m in good hands here and look forward to working with Aris officially and exclusively.”
Miller began his career in Los Angeles as an assistant camera operator, initially aspiring to become a director of photography. Moving to San Francisco as a freelancer led to opportunities as a content creator at agencies including Edelman SF, FCB West, Teak, and DDB, where he worked on short-form brand storytelling for clients such as Starbucks, Jansport, and Google.
He later joined Goodby Silverstein & Partners as a content creator in the agency’s Social Plus department, collaborating on social-first campaigns for Xfinity, SodaStream, and Frito-Lay. Recognised for his contributions to concept development, storytelling, and artistic direction, he transitioned into directing, leading high-profile campaigns for San Diego Zoo and BMW.
Comedy has always been central to Miller’s creative approach, drawing inspiration from 1990s comedy and iconic campaigns such as Goodby’s Got Milk? He highlights casting and timing as key to comedic storytelling.
“Casting and timing are everything when it comes to emphasising comedic moments,” says Miller. “While casting may be time-consuming, it’s one of my favourite parts of the process, connecting with the talent, getting their perspective on the character and place in the story, and seeing how they respond to a director’s curveball.”
Beyond performance direction, Miller values the collaborative nature of production. “From cinematography to editing, I came into my own as a filmmaker through hands-on experience and learning from the best,” he explains. “Through these collective experiences, I’ve become fluent in the language of crews and have a tremendous respect for the heart, soul, and expertise they bring to the magic of cinema and storytelling.”
Outside of filmmaking, Miller and his family enjoy an active lifestyle, including dirt biking, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, farming, and building a treehouse with a zipline on their four-acre property.
