Guy Shelmerdine

Guy Shelmerdine is a singular director known for his distinctive flavor of comedy, nuanced performances and visual style. After winning Best New Director at Cannes, he joined SMUGGLER and has since crafted a body of work that showcases his range as a filmmaker, marrying sophisticated humor with technical craft.

With his sharp wit, skill for art direction, narrative precision, and world-building, Guy consistently delivers award-winning work for the world’s top brands and agencies. His Starburst “Vertical” campaign with DDB  won a Cannes Lion, along with a D&AD Pencil, and four Golds at The One Show. The often referenced “Big Day” for Weetabix earned a Cannes Lions and two Golds at the Clios. Additionally, his timeless film for Hertz with adam&eveDDB also earned accolades from the British Arrows, ANDY,  Epica, and London International Awards, to name a few.

Most recently, Guy teamed up with Majority to reimagine “Wanta Fanta” in a bodega setting, imbuing the spot with scope, scale, energy and finely tuned performance beats. His bold Marmite spot featuring mischievous puppets guiding the next generation through their “first time,” brought back a sense of irreverence to advertising. These projects both received critical and popular acclaim for their playful yet edgy tone, showcasing Guy’s ability to effortlessly transition between comedic genres and filmmaking styles. 

Additionally, Guy has demonstrated a particular talent for unlocking pitch-perfect performances from celebrities, athletes, and comedians alike. His series of spots to launch UberEats set the gold standard for the on-going campaign, featuring standout work with Lil Nas X and Elton John, a Super Bowl homage to Wayne’s World, and an iconic showdown between Star Wars and Star Trek legends Patrick Stewart and Mark Hamill. Guy’s series of spots for SiriusXM also featured a star-studded ensemble including Kevin Hart, Dave Grohl, LL Cool J, where each character’s performances felt part of a cohesive whole.

Consistently pushing at the edges of traditional comedy-dialogue, Guy always elevates his work through precision and leadership.  His acute sense of comedic timing and natural eye for production design, casting, and camera language work in tandem to give his body of work its unique sensibility. He’s a creative problem solver who constructs storyworlds from the ground up, always excited for what’s next.