Stept Studios Expands Production Team with New Managing Director and Executive Producers

Stept Studios welcomes new team members to their growing production team led by Mac Hedges, adding Brendan Varni and Blake Greenbaum as executive producers, and promoting EP David Brickel to managing director of production. The last two years have been a period of exponential growth for the company, with their team tripling in size to over 80 staffers in the past year. 

As Stept’s new managing director of production, David Brickel will manage the director roster and commercial strategies, in addition to cultivating new relationships in all US markets. After cutting his teeth in myriad on-set roles, David realised his passion lay in partnering with talented right-brained individuals to make their visions a reality. Having developed a well-rounded knowledge of the business of making commercials and films, David first joined the Stept team in 2020 as executive producer.

“I’ve realised one of my big dreams by stepping into the role of managing director of production,” says David. “At its core, Stept stands for maverick storytelling that reconnects us with our human truths. It’s an honour to be tasked with helping to steward Stept into a very bright future.” 

Brendan Varni joins Stept as an executive producer. As the oldest of eight kids and a native Angeleno, Brendan thrives in the chaos of production by flexing his problem-solving and planning skills he’s developed from his years working at production companies such as First Media and Whitelist, focused on both short and long form video content. With a degree in Cinema & Television Arts from CSUN and a minor in African American History in South America, Brendan Brendan has a passion for story and unique voices.

Stept also adds Blake Greenbaum as executive producer. As a writer and producer, Blake has worked on nearly 100 commercials and music videos for artists and brands including Google, Samsung, Snapchat, Ariana Grande, Rosalía, Migos, A$AP Rocky, Nick Jonas, Zayn Malik, and Jack White. His music video work has been nominated for MTV VMA’s and screened in competition at SXSW. Blake was previously at PRETTYBIRD, serving as creative executive.  

“We are very fortunate to welcome these three into our flourishing production department,” says head of production Mac Hedges. “With David’s unorthodox background and out-of-the-box thinking combined with Brendan’s tactical prowess and Blake’s multi-faceted experience , we will continue to push the boundaries of what Stept can achieve.”

Stept Studios​ is a creative, and production studio based in Los Angeles and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Over the last decade, they’ve become known for producing impactful content featuring authentic characters, celebrity athletes, and unique locations. Stept has diversified its commercial roster to include the next generation of visual storytellers, documentarians, urban lifestyle shooters, and athletic visionaries.