Creative Duo The Vortex Signs with Chromista

Multi-talented creative duo The Vortex have joined the roster at Los Angeles and New York creative content company Chromista. This is the first commercial representation for the duo.

The Vortex is the unstoppable force before which there is no immovable object. The directing duo, composed of Emiliano Granado and Austin M Kearns, were both in the flow of successful careers when in 2020, like all vortices before them, came together with a force akin to alchemy. Magic, even. In the future – or possibly the past – scientists may devise words to describe why and how their combined effort is so cinematically delicious. In the interim, however, let’s think of them as The Smoothie of Your Dreams. Always fresh. On demand. With an umbrella on top. Possibly a cherry. 

Born in Argentina, Emiliano Granado relocated to the US as a child and attended Amherst College before moving to NYC. As the fates would have it, his first job in advertising led him to attend courses at the International Center of Photography and pursue photography as a hobby. Cultivating his own visual voice, Emiliano quit his day job and was quickly named to PDN’s The 30 in 2008. His clients include, The New Yorker, GQ, T Magazine, Nike, Adidas, Smirnoff, Converse, Google, and Meta, amongst others. Emiliano is the co-creator of Manual for Speed, F**ck Gatekeeping, and babyqueso. 

Austin M. Kearns is an eighth-level film paladin with infinity hit points and a super cute constitution. In his youth, he developed a dark comedic voice, which runs throughout his unique visual expression. Austin graduated from the School of Visual Arts, where he studied under virtuoso cinematographer Dejon Georgevich. Early in his career, Austin directed music videos for myriad artists, including comedic personality Tim Heidecker, before transitioning into cinematography. 

Together, as a directing team, Emiliano and Austin deliver a sophisticated edge and irreverence that is truly their own. The Vortex’s recent commercial work includes films and stills for Outlier, Goldsport, Sperry, Under Armour, Puma, Arc'teryx and a film for Lowd Cannabis, which garnered a 2021 Silver Clio. 

Adina Birnbaum, executive producer / new business development at Chromista, says, “The Vortex truly lives up to their moniker. Their verve, charisma, and artistry are a sight to behold, and we are looking forward to charting new territory with them.”

“It’s an absolute dream to be working alongside the talented folks at Chromista,” says The Vortex. “It’s an honour and we are so excited to start making content for clients.”