🎬 Work With David Bradburn — FAQ
Who is David Bradburn?
I’m a Chicago-based commercial and narrative director who specializes in creating cinematic, emotionally grounded stories for brands, institutions, and communities.
Whether it’s a healthcare brand that wants to move hearts, a university looking to inspire students, or a fintech startup with something bold to say; I help craft visuals and narratives that connect people to purpose.
What kinds of projects do you direct?
I focus on three main lanes:
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Brand Storytelling & Commercials
Human-first branded content, testimonial-based campaigns, and short-form commercials that blend authenticity and cinematic polish.
Clients include Stryker, Parker University, Brown & Brown, and Reyes Holdings. -
Educational & Institutional Media
Scalable, story-driven content for education, nonprofits, and mission-based organizations.
As Director of Production at Miaplaza, I led a distributed team producing over 1,000 minutes of video per month; balancing clarity, emotion, and efficiency. -
Narrative-Commercial Hybrids
Concept-driven campaigns that borrow the emotional arcs of film.
Think ironic, cinematic, or genre-inspired spots like “Breath — Take It” or “Scarlet Ledger.”
These pieces elevate brand storytelling into something memorable, festival-worthy, and human.
What’s your directing style?
Story first. Always.
I lead with emotion and structure; crafting visuals that support a clear message, rather than overwhelm it. I’m equally at home in a high-end studio or a run-and-gun documentary setup.
Expect direction that’s efficient, empathetic, and collaborative — honed from years managing large teams and tight budgets without losing the creative spark.
Who hires you?
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Brands that need narrative-driven content that feels authentic and cinematic.
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Agencies looking for a director who can handle both creative development and production management.
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Educational institutions & nonprofits that want engaging, mission-aligned storytelling.
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Production companies seeking a seasoned director comfortable working nationally or remotely.
Where have your films and commercials appeared?
My work has screened in 70+ film festivals worldwide and has been featured on Amazon Prime, ShortsTV, and Sofy.TV.
Corporate and branded campaigns have aired nationally and online for clients across healthcare, education, and consumer brands.
What industries are the best fit?
Healthcare, education, professional services, lifestyle/CPG, and civic/community initiatives—anywhere authenticity and clarity matter.
Can you handle interviews and real‑people stories?
Absolutely. I’m known for natural, emotionally honest performances from real people and experts—on camera and in VO—to keep the work credible and moving. Samples
How do engagements work?
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Discovery: Quick call to align on goals, audience, and success metrics.
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Treatment & Plan: Creative approach, schedule, and budget ranges.
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Production: Casting/locations/crew, a focused shoot, and tight post.
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Delivery: Master files and cut‑downs sized for your channels.
What deliverables can we expect?
Hero films (15–90s), cut‑downs, interview edits, social aspect‑ratio versions (1:1, 9:16, 4:5), captions, and thumbnail/key art. Optional: stills, transcripts, and brand‑safe edit packages for internal reuse.
Do you work nationally, internationally, or just in Chicago?
Yes! I’m based in the Chicago area and often work throughout the Midwest, but I travel nationally and internationally for shoots and remote-direct global teams.
As a licensed FAA drone pilot, I also capture aerial cinematography that adds scope and scale to commercial storytelling.
What makes you different from other commercial directors?
Most directors focus on either story or logistics. I bridge both. I’m equal parts creative and operational; a storyteller with a project manager’s discipline. That balance lets me scale productions efficiently while keeping every shot emotionally grounded.
In short: I make cinematic work that works.
How do we start working together?
Reach out with your project goals; big or small.
We’ll schedule a brief discovery call to discuss creative direction, scope, and timelines.
From there, I’ll provide a concept outline or treatment and a detailed production plan.
👉 Contact David
📍 Chicago, IL — working nationally and internationally
🎥 See Work Samples