Director Mike Nelesen Signs with EMA

National production company Envision Media Arts (EMA) has signed Director Mike Nelesen to the company’s commercial division. Nelesen’s recent H&R Block commercial was just named to TruTV’s “Top 10 Funniest Commercials of the Year” for 2013.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike to EMA,” says Andrew Halpern, EP/President of Commercial Production. “Though to me, he is a familiar and treasured friend as we have collaborated on a good number of successful projects, so it feels like he is back home. A good part of Mike’s power comes from his disarmingly easy nature and soft-spoken way. But he is beguiling because behind that façade breaths a strong Director who is incisive, fantastic with talent, fluent in the technical aspects of filmmaking while having a comedic range from a raised eyebrow to a deep belly laugh.”

EMA’s President & CEO Lee Nelson agrees that Nelesen is a perfect addition to the company’s growing Directorial roster, which also includes Director/DPs Scott Duncan and Peter Fuszard, as well as up-and-coming Director Mike Roberts. “Mike Nelesen is exactly the sort of talent we are looking to attract to EMA,” he adds. “Andrew has done an incredible job over the past year to build a group of very skilled Directors, able to address the current needs of clients today. This year, we will continue to grow our roster with Directors who at their core are dedicated to quality storytelling and strong collaborations with creative teams on both the production and agency sides.”

For Nelesen, the opportunity to join EMA came from his long-term relationship with Halpern. “Andrew and I have always had a great time working together,” details the Director. “And he and Lee as a team are a great creative force. I have watched them develop the EMA Commercial Division over the last year, and am excited to have an opportunity to join them.”