Neil Tardio Jr. Joins MRS. BOND

Award-winning director Neil Tardio Jr., has joined the roster of MRS. BOND for exclusive US spot representation and will be a partner in the production company. Tardio is best known for his comedy and storytelling work for clients such as AT&T, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, ESPN, McDonald’s, Nike, Virgin and Volkswagen. He has been honored with multiple Cannes Lions, Clios, Addys, Tellys, London Art Directors Awards and a Peabody, among other accolades.

The addition of Tardio accompanies a name change for the outfit, previously known as Recommended Media. “With MRS. BOND, we took a name that suggests fortitude with attitude,” explained EP/Partner Jeff Rohrer, who presides over the company alongside Founder Stephen Dickstein. “The industry has changed. What’s needed now is skill, agility and a touch of the unexpected. And that’s MRS. BOND.”

“In Jeff and MRS. BOND, I have found a team that brings deep experience and a genuine sense of fun to the work,” added Tardio. “This is a roster of very accomplished artists, and I’m excited to be on it.”

Rohrer described Tardio as “an incredibly strong director whose gifts extend well beyond the easy definition of ‘comedy’. Neil’s casting and the ability to convey a resonant story in an authentic way are hallmarks of his work.”

“My passion for dialogue-driven storytelling led me to eventually find comedy,” said the director, who rose to prominence creating the 1996 Peabody Award-winning “Rock The Vote” special for Madonna. “It’s been quite a journey, and the bottom line is that nothing beats great writing.” After graduating from Boston University, Tardio began his career as an agency producer and writer for such agencies as Saatchi & Saatchi/NY and DDB/Chicago before launching into a full-time directing career. He went on to direct 32 episodes of a children’s sports program called PE TV, which aired on channel 1, and then ESPN, and co-created and directed the web series, Lifeisode. Tardio has directed music videos for numerous acts, most notably for The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queen Latifah. He is attached to direct the feature film ShortCut Man based on the critically acclaimed novel by P.G. Sturges. Tardio has received more than 100 honors for his spot work, including an Emmy nod for the Partnership for a Drug-Free America PSA, "Joint Man”.   

Tardio joins a MRS. BOND roster comprised of commercial veterans, acclaimed TV/Film directors, and social media phenoms, including directors Alexander Paul, Him & Her, Cynthia Wade, Devin Supertramp, David Parker, Ross Cooper, Julian Farino, Phil Abraham, Mark Polish, Arie Posin, Scott Zabielski, Jones, and Director/Cameraman Mitch Amundsen.  

MRS. BOND also represents digital content company RODEO SHOW and is affiliated with award-winning experiential agency Fake Love.