Laurence Shanet

Laurence Shanet, a.k.a. KRANKY, is a past winner of the CFP’s Young Director Award at the Cannes International Festival, was listed among the industry’s Top 10 “Directors to Watch”, and has had his work placed in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent audio-visual collection. Directing credits for his worldwide client list include commercials and film content for LG Electronics, Starburst, H&R Block, Visa, Disney, Skittles, Pepsi, Green Giant, Volkswagen, and many more.

Prior to his directorial career, Shanet was an award-winning writer and producer for some of the top ad agencies in the world, including McCann Erickson, Amster Yard, Kirshenbaum & Bond, Berlin Cameron, Leo Burnett, Dweck! and Campbell, and RSY, among many others.

In addition to his advertising work, Shanet is involved in various projects in the entertainment world. His series of comedic short films about a taxi driver training academy was singled out for development as a television series on a major cable network. He also helmed the popular Off-Broadway play Connections, which received “Best Of New York” Citysearch honors during its frequently sold-out run. And he has contributed as a ghost writer to some of the most popular animated comedy series on television.

In addition to the Cannes YDA Award, KRANKY’s other honors include Cannes Lions, AICP/MOMA, multiple Clios, One Show, London International Advertising Awards, TELLY awards, ADDYs Best in Show, ANDYs Art Director's Club, CA, D & AD, and several SHOOT Magazine Top Spots.

He holds degrees in Film and Psychology from the Johns Hopkins University, and was part of New York University’s graduate program in directing.

Despite the moniker, he is generally pleasant.