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The US office of Merman has announced the signing of Ritesh Gupta for commercial representation.
Based in Los Angeles and New York, Gupta joins the Merman roster as an Emmy-nominated filmmaker with a background as an award-winning sports journalist and creative director.
Gupta’s storytelling is shaped by his pursuit of truth and identity, combining authenticity from his journalistic roots with emotional intelligence honed through documentary filmmaking. This approach has earned him a reputation for crafting thought-provoking and culturally significant brand films. Notable projects include Budweiser’s viral Dwyane Wade: This Bud’s for 3, which he directed, and the award-winning Beats by Dre campaign You Love Me, where he served as Group Creative Director at Translation. Gupta’s accolades include two Emmy nominations, four Webbys, six AICP wins, eight Cannes Lions, 25 Clios, and multiple Ad of the Year awards.
“Ritesh brings a unique perspective to his storytelling,” said Merman Global Director Ellen Clarke. “He has the ability to identify the multilayers of a narrative and its characters, weaving them impactfully together. His strength lies in his connection to the talent’s performance and discovering the authenticity within the story. We’re very excited to have Ritesh join the Merman team.”
Gupta expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “I'm so thrilled to be joining the roster for Merman. As an industry outsider, I really waited and did my research, wanting to find the right company with the right ethos that fit who I was. And in Merman, I found both a fit and a company who really demonstrated the care for their directors and a push to the craft of the work. I'm excited by what we've been able to do and by what lies ahead.”
As a freelance director, Gupta recently worked on the NHL campaign The Next Golden Era is Now. Created by the agency Highdive, the campaign celebrates hockey’s speed, skill, and fun both on and off the ice. Gupta directed a spot featuring Gen Z NHL stars humorously rebutting stereotypes about their generation, highlighting their intense gameplay. The campaign was well-received by audiences and critics and contributed to Adage naming the NHL a 2024 Marketer of the Year.
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