New York-based production studio Identity continues to expand its roster of visually sophisticated storytellers with the signing of unique, multifaceted duo, The Kaplans.
A New York-centric, directing-and design-focused duo of Laura and Sam Kaplan, The Kaplans have been bringing their works to life for years in a state-of-the art film production space set inside a 200-year-old barn that serves as a 3,500-square-foot modern studio. Working within their spacious quarters and elsewhere, The Kaplans—who draw inspiration from music videos, photography, and content with a slightly off-kilter visual point-of-view—have carved a storied ad career that has spanned major drink, food, and product brands, including Qdoba, Tropicana, Dunkin, Michelob Ultra, Red Lobster, Smoothie King, to name a few.
For the creative duo, collaboration, cohesion, and problem-solving is key. “We are true partners, doing all our creative development together, and pretty much everything else,” The Kaplans say. “Over the years, we have realized that we come at creative problems from very different angles. Approaching the creative process in different ways and combining those visions has really become our secret sauce.”
The secret sauce has parlayed into The Kaplans’ move to Identity, which aligns with the studio’s recent hiring of Gloria Colangelo, who was brought on as Managing Partner and had an impact on the directing pair. “It was Gloria that really drew us to Identity,” The Kaplans say. “The more we spoke with her, the more we respected her knowledge of the business, specifically the food world. We wanted to be a part of what Gloria and the Identity team were building.”
What Identity is building is essentially a visual storytelling leader in the advertising and filmmaking space, which The Kaplans instantly identified with. “We love the deep well of knowledge that the entire Identity team brings to the table, and we are pumped to have {a} production company that champions our work,” the duo says. “We are always trying to push the tabletop medium forward and feel that Identity will give us the support we need to do that.”
Managing Partner Colangelo, meanwhile, explains why the timing was right to sign on The Kaplans. “The Kaplans have really hit their stride, producing amazing work that’s right in line with the direction of our industry,” she says. “Investing in their fresh, innovative approach allows us to offer clients something truly special.”
According to Identity Executive Producer Molly Mitchell, the duo adds its own novel style to an already-diverse directing and game-changing roster. “By joining Identity, the Kaplans bring a fresh burst of creativity and a unique skill set that’ll help us take our content to the next level,” she says. “This addition reinforces Identity’s reputation as a home for exceptional talent and forward-thinking creativity.”
