Caviar Acquires Funny Or Die’s Gifted Youth

Caviar has acquired Funny Or Die’s commercial production company Gifted Youth. Caviar will maintain the Gifted Youth shingle name with a roster of directors, which include Jake Szymanski (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Tour De Pharmacy), Alice Mathias (Portlandia), and Paymen Benz (Brooklyn 99, Key and Peele) among others. Under the deal, Funny Or Die will continue to work with Caviar to identify up-and-coming directors to add to the Gifted Youth roster. Gifted Youth’s NY-based Josh Morse will continue to serve as executive producer, working alongside the Caviar team.    

“We have seen Caviar ‘in market’ for years and have always been impressed with their diverse roster and their commitment to producing outstanding creative advertising,” said Chris Bruss, president of Funny Or Die. “Their leadership team is top notch, and the Gifted Youth brand could not have found a better home.”

“We could not be happier to be taking on this venture,” said Michael Sagol, executive producer and managing partner of Caviar. “Gifted Youth, under Funny Or Die, has created a unique brand and we are confident that it will only continue to thrive as part of the Caviar family.”

“I am incredibly proud of the work that myself and the rest of the Gifted Youth roster created over the last several years, and proud of the special brand we were able to develop and curate within Funny Or Die,” said Jake Szymanski. “Having originally started my commercial directing career with Caviar, I’m excited for Gifted Youth’s next chapter there, and excited to be working with Michael and the amazing Caviar team.”

Szymanski recently wrapped production on what will be the first Gifted Youth campaign under Caviar, a series of commercials for Smirnoff from 72 & Sunny (New York).

Founded in April 2012, ‘Gifted Youth’ has produced hundreds of commercials and branded entertainment campaigns, including both Jeff Gordon 'Test Drive' videos, directed by Peter Atencio for Pepsi Max, and the prolific Ron Burgundy / Dodge Durango commercial campaign directed by Jake Szymanski, in partnership with the release of Anchorman 2.