“The Harder They Come” Wins Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards

Washington Square Films has signed director Alex Ogus for commercial representation. His work has earned global award recognition, including Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, One Show Awards and Bessie Awards. His client list included AMEX, McDonald’s, Nestle, Advil, TurboTax, Pfizer and Snickers. Recently, Ogus helmed the music video “Gonna Be You” for 80 for Brady featuring Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper and Gloria Estefan.

Jonathan Schwartz, director of marketing and sales/managing director of NY-based Washington Square Films, said, “Alex understands how to create great comedy using wonderful visuals, great performances and a perfect sense of timing.  His work has a richness that makes you laugh and also makes you want to watch it again.”

Ogus added, “The team at Washington Square Films is made up of truly down-to-earth, real people, but what sets them apart is their vision for the future of the industry and their dedication to the careers of their directors. I’ve always had a lot of my work come out of New York and their strong presence in the city makes this such a great fit.”

Ogus was drawn to filmmaking at an early age, transitioning from amateur comic book writing and illustration to filmmaking class while growing up in Toronto. After going to film school, he funded his initial directorial reel by creating and distributing a salad dressing based on a coveted family recipe. His creativity quickly splashed over from the salad bowl to the screen, striking literal commercial gold with one of his earliest spots for The Fight Network going on to earn top awards, including four Cannes Gold Lions. Following this powerful entry into the commercial directing scene, he started helming spots across the globe, shooting campaigns in Paris, London, Moscow and Zurich, while continuing to grow his body of work in the U.S. Prior to Washington Square Films, Ogus was represented in the U.S. by CoMPANY Films.

Outside of commercials, Ogus directed the 2022 short ICE, which follows a young Latina who comes home only to find that her mother has been taken by immigration. The film recently earned a Remi Award from the Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival.

We’re delighted to share that the Off-Broadway musical, The Harder They Come, has been nominated for nine awards – four Outer Critics Circle Awards, three Lucille Lortel Awards, and two Drama Desk Awards.

We’re happy to share that director/DP/photographer Erik Curtis has signed with Washington Square Films for his first commercial representation.

We want to extend a huge congratulations to Ben Snyder and Ari Issler for the acceptance of their film Allswell to the Tribeca Film Festival in the U.S. Narrative Competition. Directed by Ben and produced by Ari and Ben, among others, the film spotlights three Nuyorican sisters as they rise to life’s challenges balancing career and family, all while the strength of their sisterhood proves a balm for their chaotic worlds.