Brent Foster is a commercial film director whose work blends surreal visual storytelling with authentic human performances. With a background in photojournalism, he brings a documentary sensibility to intimate stories and ambitious commercial films.

Foster worked for the Los Angeles Times before moving to India, where he freelanced for The New York Times, Human Rights Watch and others. Photojournalism taught him to observe the world around him, earn people’s trust and recognize the small details that tell a larger story. Those instincts continue to shape his directing, whether he’s working with actors or people sharing deeply personal stories.

His commercial work pairs attention to performance with bold visual ideas, using cinematography and visual effects to create worlds that feel extraordinary yet believable.

He has directed work for Nike, Kia, Chevrolet, the NBA, McDonald’s, National Geographic, Canada Life, Huawei, CAMH, Tourism Prince Edward Island, SickKids Foundation and University Health Network.

Foster received Silver in Shots’ New Director of the Year. Campaigns he directed for SickKids and PEI Seafood earned Gold at the Strategy Marketing Awards, and his work for CAMH and SickKids received ADC and Clio shortlists. His documentaries ENOUGH, The Last Mambabatok and The San Diego Highwayman have each received a Vimeo Staff Pick.

Based in Toronto, he directs commercial and documentary projects internationally.