Directors

From humble beginnings in the desolate Mojave desert, Michael DeLano is an award winning Long Beach, CA based director and producer. Specializing in automotive, but adept in many formats, Michael brings a joyous rebellion to every project, creating edge and infusing fun. Sheet metal and actors vie for the top spot in his heart, but lucky for all of us, his heart recently grew two sizes providing enough room for both. Michael has been called on to help reveal some of the most iconic name plates in the automotive industry, Jetta, Passat, Beetle, Supra, Miata, Passport and all new models like VW Atlas. Industrial automation and robotics giants ABB and KUKA have called on Michael to direct projects all over the US and the world, including leading crews throughout Germany and China on various projects.

Known for leaning into ambitious ideas and chasing the difficult path, Dean approaches filmmaking with a simple belief: Make it real. Then make it unforgettable. Dean’s Dead is the directing identity of filmmaker, cinematographer, and creative strategist Dean Aguirre, a Southern California creative working at the intersection of automotive, music, culture, and live experiences. A Mexican American filmmaker with deep roots in automotive and Chicano culture, Dean is drawn to stories that feel lived rather than manufactured. His work balances cinematic ambition with honesty, favoring real people, real moments, and emotional connection while still pushing scale, movement, and visual impact. His portfolio spans national automotive campaigns, artist collaborations, branded entertainment, collegiate athletics, experiential productions, and social-first storytelling, with projects involving Honda, Acura, Volkswagen, Lincoln, Ford, Monster Energy, Lowrider Magazine, Thermo Fisher Scientific, global technology partners, and ongoing work with London-based label Big Family Music. Dean has also partnered with Relevant+ on culture-driven campaigns for Lexus and McDonald’s, including bilingual English and Spanish creative developed for Latino audiences. This work included the award-winning Lexus “En Camino” campaign, which received two Gold MarCom Awards for Digital & Integrated Marketing. Beyond directing, his experience extends across creative development, campaign strategy, live activations, and visual identity, including long-term art direction for artist Obed Padilla during a period of significant audience and brand growth.