Bi-costal production house Sanctuary welcomes multi-faceted filmmaker Mary Dauterman to its talented directorial roster.
Dauterman’s distinctive cinematic vision infuses unexpected comedic details into everyday scenarios, merging inspired visual elements with surprising characters, whimsical moments, and charming performances. She’s brought silly and stylish commercial films to life for brands including International Delight, Pinterest, Pirate’s Booty, e.l.f., José Cuervo, IHOP, and Casper.
Originally from Texas, Dauterman's journey into directing began with her love for film, which flourished during her time as an agency creative at Wieden+Kennedy, Droga5, and CPB. Her strong narrative background informs an approach that transforms advertisements into entertaining and deliciously unusual stories, often dipping a toe into the surreal and absurd. Dauterman’s attention to visual cues from colour theory to production design to wardrobe adds conceptual depth and nuance that gravitates towards the funny, thoughtful, and surprising.