Draft:Tony Yacenda
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Tony Yacenda is an American screenwriter, director, and producer known for his work in television, music videos, and digital media. He co-created and directed the Netflix original series American Vandal, a Peabody Award–winning and Emmy-nominated mockumentary that satirizes true crime documentaries.
Early life and education
[edit]Yacenda was raised in Exton, Pennsylvania, where he attended Downingtown East High School.[1] He later studied film at Emerson College in Boston, graduating in 2010.[2] After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles and co‑founded Woodhead Entertainment with Dan Perrault and Sean Carrigan.[3]
Career
[edit]Early work
[edit]In Los Angeles, Yacenda directed sketches for CollegeHumor, Funny or Die, and Comedy Central Digital. His breakthrough came directing a viral parody video titled Brett Favre Rise, which led to freelance work across multiple comedy platforms.[4] He directed Lil Dicky’s Save Dat Money (2015), which went viral and won a Webby Award.[5] After its success, he signed with The Directors Bureau. He followed with Pillow Talking (2016), selected for Saatchi & Saatchi’s New Director’s Showcase.[6]
Television and film
[edit]In 2017, Yacenda co-created, wrote for, directed, and executive produced Netflix’s American Vandal, a mockumentary parodying true crime documentaries. The show earned a Peabody Award[7] and an Emmy nomination.[8] He later directed an episode of Netflix’s Trial by Media ("Talk Show Murder") and episodes of FX's Dave.He executive produced Paramount+'s For Heaven’s Sake, earning three Canadian Screen Award nominations.[9] In 2022, he co-created, wrote for, directed, and executive produced Players for Paramount+.[10]
In 2024, he directed and executive produced Hulu’s Chad Powers, scheduled to premiere September 30, 2025.[11]
Commercials and music videos
[edit]Yacenda has directed commercials for Buffalo Wild Wings, Miller Lite, Jimmy John’s, Google Pixel, and Sprite.[12] He also directed branded content for Hyundai, NBC, Nexium, and Lammily. In music videos, he directed for Lil Dicky (Save Dat Money, Pillow Talking, Lemme Freak, Classic Male Pregame, Freaky Friday, Earth intro), Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco (Talk), and Lil Nas X (Satan Shoes Trial teaser & Industry Baby Prelude).
Filmography
[edit]- American Vandal (2017–2018) — Co-creator, Writer, Director, Executive Producer
- For Heaven’s Sake (2021) — Executive Producer
- Dave (2020) — Director
- Trial by Media (2020) — Director ("Talk Show Murder")
- Players (2022) — Co-creator, Writer, Director, Executive Producer
- Chad Powers (2024) — Director, Executive Producer
- Music videos: "Save Dat Money", "Pillow Talking", "Lemme Freak", "Classic Male Pregame", "Freaky Friday", "Earth" intro, "Talk", "Satan Shoes Trial", "Industry Baby Prelude"
Awards and recognition
[edit]- Peabody Award for American Vandal
- Primetime Emmy Award nomination for American Vandal
- Canadian Screen Award nominations for For Heaven’s Sake (3)
- Webby Award for "Save Dat Money"
- Saatchi & Saatchi New Director’s Showcase for "Pillow Talking"
References
[edit]- ^ Graham, Ellen (October 11, 2017). ""American Vandal," a Phallus-Focused True-Crime Parody, Comes from a Philly Guy". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "Tony Yacenda - Slate Rising Stars". Slate Rising Stars. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
- ^ "Meet the Creator: Behind The Kids' Home Movie That Morphs Into a Hollywood Blockbuster". Fast Company. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "Tony Yacenda - Slate Rising Stars". Slate Rising Stars. Retrieved May 17, 2025.
- ^ "Webby Award for Save Dat Money". Webby Awards. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "Tony Yacenda". Smuggler. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "American Vandal". Peabody Awards. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ ""American Vandal," Co-Created by Exton Native, Wins Prestigious Peabody Award". The Philadelphia Inquirer. April 19, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "For Heaven's Sake – Canadian Screen Award nominees". Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ^ "Players Creators Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda Interview". Polygon. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ "Chad Powers Premiere Date Set for September 2025". Vital Thrills. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
- ^ "Trae Young and Anthony Edwards Help Sprite Ditch The Green". LBBOnline. Retrieved May 15, 2025.