Hometeam Filmmaker | Drew Vaughan

NYC

USA

Drew Vaughan

Director

Drew Vaughan

Commercial, Comedy, Brand Stories, Anthem

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Drew Vaughan is a New York City-based writer and director known for his sharp, cinematic storytelling that blends humor with a thoughtful, grounded perspective. With a background in advertising, Drew has crafted award-winning commercial campaigns, including an Emmy-winning spot for the Seattle Kraken, and has worked with top agencies such as Mother, Anomaly, and 72andSunny. His work is defined by an ability to elevate everyday moments, making the mundane feel visually striking and emotionally resonant.

At one point, Drew had the privilege (and occasional terror) of learning from Werner Herzog, which only deepened his love for bold, uncompromising storytelling. While often categorized as a comedy director, his true strength lies in walking the line between the real and the surreal, capturing raw human moments with a visually dynamic style.

The Cathartic Craft of Filmmaking with Drew Vaughan

In this candid conversation, we delve into the multifaceted career of Drew Vaughan, a filmmaker whose journey is as unconventional as his creative output. From his roots as a musician and photographer in Atlanta to navigating the world of advertising in Los Angeles, Drew's path to directing was a gradual evolution, marked by a constant drive to "make something." His unique background, blending agency-side experience with hands-on filmmaking, offers a rare perspective on the industry, enabling him to approach projects with empathy for both creatives and clients.

Director Drew Vaughan’s collaboration with Hometeam on the epic series of “Climb Higher for Robinson Helicopter Company” was a masterclass in global storytelling, blending his cinematic vision with Hometeam’s agile production model to deliver a cohesive and emotionally resonant docuseries filmed across three continents. Working closely with Hometeam’s executive team and leveraging the talents of local crews around the world, Vaughan brought a human-centered narrative to life—showcasing the real-world impact of Robinson helicopters through powerful, visually stunning stories. His creative leadership was instrumental in shaping the series’ tone and depth, proving how impactful a director–studio partnership can be when aligned on both vision and execution.

Hometeam Partner Brandon Bloch made his podcast hosting debut on a recent episode of Chasing the Same Sun, sitting down with Drew to reflect on their shared beginnings, the creative journeys they've taken together, and how Drew’s spirit of collaboration has played a key role in shaping his many achievements.

Drew's distinctive directorial voice is one that subverts expectations, aiming to pull the rug out from beneath the audience. While he has excelled in visually stunning and impactful commercial work—like his hype-amp piece for the Seattle Kraken—he reveals his true passion lies in infusing humor that isn't overtly comedic, drawing inspiration from shows like Atlanta that masterfully blend cinematic craft with subtle comedy. He emphasizes the inherent difficulty and artistry in comedic timing and delivery, striving to make people laugh "without telling a joke." This nuanced approach is evident in his personal projects, where he explores profound themes through an unexpected lens.

"...I'm realizing things about myself, and it comes down to human connection. How can I connect with the people on set? How can I connect with the viewer? How can I connect with myself? I don't think that there's any better medium to do all of that than making film."

A strong advocate for collaboration, Drew highlights the invaluable role of his key collaborators, from his long-time cinematographer Steve McCord, with whom he built a creative partnership from the ground up, to his "ad dorks" and mentors from his agency days who championed his early directing endeavors. He also speaks passionately about the profound sense of gratitude he feels on set, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and connected to the collective goal of making something great. This empathetic leadership, rooted in his belief that "directing is the greatest job in the world," ensures that every member of the crew feels invested in the project's success.

In a particularly insightful segment, Drew discusses his “Advice” short film series, a deeply personal and cathartic exploration born from a creative rut. What started as an exercise in self-therapy, where he would "take all the money from advertising and use that to make your film," evolved into a raw and honest portrayal of human connection. He shares how simplifying the filmmaking process and removing self-imposed barriers allowed him to create impactful work that resonated deeply with others. This philosophy extends to his advice for aspiring filmmakers:

"Stop caring so much about what people think—what people are gonna think about it—because one of two things are gonna happen: they're either gonna like it, or they're not gonna remember it. And that's really it. So just make something, then make another thing."

It's a testament to his belief that authentic expression, regardless of initial outcome, is the only true path to finding one's voice and purpose in the demanding world of filmmaking.

To hear the full conversation, check out Hometeam’s Podcast series, Chasing the Same Sun: Global Adventures in Filmmaking below.

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Robinson Helicopter Company Climb Higher