Mitchell Lazar

Unaffiliated

What was your first professionally directed work and when was it? 
Verizon Credo – a long-form branded content piece that explores the impact Verizon employees have on customers’ lives. I had the opportunity to shape the project’s creative direction and contribute to the writing, blending my narrative instincts with commercial storytelling to create something visually and emotionally resonant. This project set the tone for the kind of work I love—stories with real substance that connect beyond the screen.

How did you get into directing?
I began my career as a child actor, making myself at home on set from an early age. I had the chance to act in a professional production of Sweeney Todd as part of the ensemble, guiding each act forward. I loved the storytelling and eventually, I became more drawn to what happened behind the camera.

What is your most recent project?
On the commercial side, I recently directed an Amex campaign highlighting the advantages for merchants who accept Amex, using a docu-style approach to bring their stories to life.

On the narrative side, I completed Test Drive, a proof-of-concept short film for a TV series titled Dukes of Kingston. The series is a character-driven crime drama that follows a reformed criminal entangled in a dangerous plot, threatening his family and new life.

What is the best part of being a director?
The magic of directing is in bringing stories and characters to life, weaving together each team member’s unique talents into a unified vision. It’s inspiring to see individual contributions merge, transforming ideas into something powerful and resonant.

What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?
My primary focus is commercial directing, and building my portfolio with spots that blend narrative depth with cinematic visuals. With that said, I am actively pushing to make inroads into film and TV as a director.

Who is your favorite director and why?
A few directors stand out—Stanley Kubrick, Michael Mann, David Fincher, and Denis Villeneuve. Each one has this incredible way of building tension and atmosphere, drawing you in frame by frame.

What is your favorite movie? Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content?
Tough to pick, but if I have to – Chinatown, Heat, Children of Men, Memories of Murder, No Country for Old Men, True Detective S1, Mad Men, and yes, Borat and Rush Hour  too! They each bring something unique, whether it’s the story or just unforgettable characters.

Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I grew up in Toronto, where I started out acting and developed an interest in the world of film early on. Over time, my interests shifted behind the camera, leading me to study Film and TV Production at NYU Tisch, where I honed my craft in narrative filmmaking focusing on writing and directing. After school, I jumped into a variety of projects—short films, web series, features, and commercials—working as a producer and editor before fully establishing myself in directing. Those experiences gave me a well-rounded perspective I bring to every project.

Contact

Website: www.mottongabafilms.com
Contact Mitchell via email here