Tony Franklin is an award-winning director based in Los Angeles whose work blends emotional connection with cinematic storytelling that commands attention. His commercial work pairs bold visual style with a raw, visceral quality—drawing viewers in through natural performances, instinctive camera movement, and an eye for the unexpected. Blending documentary honesty with striking imagery, he creates films that feel immediate, intimate, and distinctly human. His approach has attracted brands including Etsy, BMW, Universal, IBM, WIRED, Purina, Pizza Hut, Gatorade, and Prudential.
After studying film, photography, and design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Tony spent ten years as a creative at Target, developing his eye for brand storytelling while directing documentary shorts outside office hours. Those passion projects earned international recognition and shaped the thoughtful, intuitive approach he brings to every production.
Tony’s work has earned 14 Best of Show awards at film festivals around the world, been shortlisted for Best Short Documentary at The One Show in two consecutive years, and been featured in The Atlantic’s “10 Best Short Documentaries of the Year.” His advertising work has also earned Best of Show and two national ADDY Awards. Across commercials and documentaries, his focus remains the same: making real life cinematic.