First Wave TV Signs Rik Cordero

NY-based First Wave TV has signed director Rik Cordero for U.S. representation. Cordero’s unique ability to capture authentic moments, coupled with his prowess for digital filmmaking technology, is evident in his body of work that fuses humanity and artistry. He has delivered his carefully honed visual style to spots and branded content for the likes of Nike, PepsiCo, Levi Strauss & Co, Heineken, MillerCoors and LG, among others. You can click here to view his work. 

Cordero began his career as a director in music videos, collaborating with top artists including Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Nas, and The Roots. Most recently, he directed “Am I Wrong,” the official branded music project for Pepsi Pulse from acclaimed artists Nico & Vinz. He comes to First Wave from Robot Films. 

Notes First Wave TV Executive Producer Justin Havlik, “I feel that Rik’s diverse background and distinct visual style really lends itself to the kind of branded entertainment that we are known for at First Wave. His skills from a technical and storytelling perspective are evident in all his work and we’re excited to have him on board.” Adds Cordero, “When I first met Justin, we clicked immediately and spoke for hours about what it takes to push an idea into something special. It’s obvious that his ambition attracts world class talent and I’m honored to contribute my unique perspective to the team. My transition from music videos to branded content has been seamless and First Wave is the place where my technical skills and original thinking will allow me to crossover into commercial projects with ease.”

Cordero’s fascination with filmmaking began early, swiping a household camera as a child to experiment with techniques. He later swapped a prestigious engineering education for art school, sparking a love for Adobe that would not waver. After spending four years post-graduation engulfed in darkness as a motion graphics designer, he jumped behind the camera for a no-budget feature and was immediately hooked on directing. His work gained widespread attention when he shot the viral trailer for Jay-Z’s “American Gangster” album. Since then, he has collaborated with major artists from Nas to Snoop Dogg, earning a number of accolades including a 2009 BET Award and a 2013 Japan VMA Award for directing. In 2012, he bridged over to the branded space, quickly earning industry recognition for his American Advertising Federation Award-winning “Where I’m From” campaign for the US Marine Corps out of JWT Atlanta, and his Nike Basketball documentary that takes an authentic snapshot on the culture of NYC street ball, “The World is Watching” out of Spike DDB.