Canadian Director Avery Stedman Signs with Dear Friend

Dear Friend has signed director Avery Stedman for Canadian representation. Known for his cinematic eye and emotionally resonant storytelling, Stedman brings a modern sensibility to the company’s carefully curated roster. The signing reinforces Dear Friend’s commitment to championing top tier Canadian talent while offering agencies a collaborative partner defined by craft, discipline, and entrepreneurial spirit.

“I’ve found a home with the Dear Friend crew — they line up with what I care about most: craft and collaboration. I’m here to bring a new layer… stories with a visual edge, genre-bending, and an emotional punch. At the end of the day, I just want to make work that hits. The goal’s always goosebumps,” said director Avery Stedman.

“Avery is as versatile strategically as he is creatively. His strength as a writer and creative director makes him an invaluable partner to agencies, helping shape ideas from the ground up and push them into their best form. We’re excited to bring his voice to the table,” said Dear Friend managing director Garth Collins.

“Avery isn’t just a name on our roster, he’s a teammate,” said founder Mark Chisholm. 

With offices in Toronto and Vancouver, Dear Friend continues to build momentum in its boutique model: championing directors as creative entrepreneurs and partnering closely with agencies and brands. The addition of Avery Stedman underscores the company’s commitment to Canadian talent and to the development of relationships that go beyond representation.