SAVAGE Signs Neil Tardio Jr.

Bicoastal/International production company SAVAGE has signed Neil Tardio Jr. for US representation. An ability to engage audiences with subtle yet compelling comedy has been a leitmotif throughout Tardio’s career for the likes of Coca Cola, ESPN, AT&T, Volkswagen, Budweiser, Nike and many more.

“Savage is a young, fast growing company and adding talented US directors to our roster is incredibly exciting,” notes SAVAGE exec producer Jay Shapiro, who previously produced on commercials with Tardio for a number of years.

“So much American advertising is comedy based and having worked with Neil over the years as a producer, I believe that we are not only gaining an incredibly skilled comedy director, but a great collaborator. Neil’s infectious magnetism has gained him such strong relationships amongst agency and clients over the years – I couldn’t be more upbeat moving forward!”

Tardio graduated from Boston University, joining Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB/Chicago as agency producer before moving into the director’s chair, creating memorable work showcasing deft handling of dialog and comedy that has collected awards including Cannes Lions, Clios and Addys,

“I wanted to land somewhere that suited my sensibilities and Savage fits right into what I think this industry needs going forward,” adds Tardio on the move. “My observational eye and humor segues nicely into the roster. Talking to Pavla [Burgetova, EP/Founder] and Jay – someone that I have worked with and always trusted – I feel Savage and I together will be a very powerful combination.”

2014 has kicked into high gear for SAVAGE, moving into a new space in Venice, Los Angeles while directors wrapping work include Sam Tootal on a Samsung spot through Leo Burnett/Chicago and Manny B directing for Dick’s Sporting Goods through Anomaly, New York.

Since opening in 2011, Savage has used its international presence to provide US agencies with innovative ways of finding the best production value possible on traditional and digital branding campaigns for clients including Starbucks, GE, Pepsi, Nike, Greenpeace, Foot Locker, Kodak, Snickers and Google.