When Karen Cunningham made the decision to channel her experience as a producer into her own directing career.

She was immediately recognized in the advertising industry. After her first commercial aired, she quickly became known for her ability to get solid performances from her acting talent. Within her first eighteen months of directing, she was shortlisted at the British Craft Awards. She went on to win Best New Director at Kinsale and Best New Director at YDA/Shots in Cannes.

Karen has worked consistently on commercial productions around the world since then. Her training as an actress has given her an especially keen understanding of casting and performance, which takes precedence in all of her work. This, along with her invaluable experience as a producer, informs every commercial she directs.

Karen’s acclaimed Barbie spot “Imagine The Possibilities” won a Cannes Silver Cyber Lion, a Clio, an AICP Award, a London International Award, and it was also shortlisted at the British Craft Awards in 2016. While she is best known for her stellar ability at directing children, Karen’s body of work has expanded recently to include automotive.