08/01/2021
Nate was born and raised in St. Louis, where he developed a passion for filmmaking at an early age. While his friends spent their summers at two-a-days, the far less athletic Townsend attended various film programs, eventually following his love for storytelling to LMU School of Film and Television in Los Angeles. One day during his senior year, Nate needed blu rays burnt in a pinch for his thesis, which led to an introduction to Michael Hurst and his former post-house Rukus. Michael couldn’t have possibly imagined then that this bright eyed college student would one day be his business partner, yet here we are.
Since that fateful day, Nate has gone on to direct a number of award-winning shorts, an array of celebrated commercial work, and a feature-length documentary that received acclaim from Variety, Indiewire, and Hollywood Reporter. He also spent two years directing in-house at Rodgers Townsend DDB where he learned the ins, outs, and grind of the agency universe.
Now the right brain of Townsend Hurst, Nate oversees all creative operations from Los Angeles, working hand-in-hand with brands and agencies to most effectively bring ideas to life. Although that certainly includes directing himself, he also manages creative needs and solutions that call for other filmmakers, ensuring that each project is met with the right solution--from pre-production through post.
Nate has directed for brands including AT&T, Leica, Lululemon, and Bayer, and his work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, the National ADDYS, Communication Arts, and the Mid-American Emmy Awards.