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Rachel Stubbings joins Merman US for global representation
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The Cannes Gold-winning director, writer and actor signs for global representation.
Director, writer and actor Rachel Stubbings has joined Merman US for global representation, building on her existing work with Merman UK.
A respected voice in British comedy, Stubbings began her career in sketch writing and stand-up, and has since worked across commercials, film, writing and performance. Her collaborators include Diane Morgan, Adam Buxton, Jen Brister, Sally Phillips, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Lou Sanders and Brett Goldstein.
Drawn to the space where comedy and drama intersect, Stubbings is known for work built around complex characters, grounded performances and humour rooted in emotional truth. Her commercial credits include campaigns for Audible, Freely, Landsec and Boots, spanning pure comedy and socially led storytelling.
In 2024, she directed Van Wife, a short film campaign created with LADbible for Women’s Aid’s 50th anniversary. The campaign generated more than 15 million online impressions, won multiple awards including two Gold British Arrows, and helped raise awareness of the warning signs of domestic abuse and coercive control.
That was followed in 2026 by Based on a True Story, a satirical campaign for Missing People that used black humour to examine how audiences and the British media consume stories of disappearance and loss. The film generated 3.6 billion media impressions within its first two weeks, prompted 16 leading media figures to pledge to report real stories with greater care and respect, and won a Gold Cannes Lion for Best Use of Humour.
Alongside directing, Stubbings is a course leader for the Writing & Producing Comedy programme at the National Film and Television School, where she helps develop emerging comedy filmmakers.
Stubbings says: “I've had an incredible journey with Merman UK already, working on some truly rewarding projects for Women's Aid and Missing People, alongside fantastic consumer brands. I'm proud of everything we've achieved together, and I'm excited to be joining the global team and seeing what we can accomplish next. Better find my passport then.”
Ellen Jacobson-Clarke, Merman US, says: “Rachel is a truly original creative voice whose work seamlessly balances bold comedy with genuine emotional insight. She has an exceptional ability to tell stories that are entertaining, culturally resonant and impossible to ignore. We're thrilled to welcome her to the Merman US roster and can't wait to introduce her work to new partners and audiences around the world.”
Stubbings is currently in pre-production on Craig Ainsley’s debut feature, which the pair have co-written and in which Stubbings will star in the lead role. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027.
