New York City based, working worldwide hello@flyingcactus.tv

About

One vision, carried from the first idea to the final frame.

Why we exist

Everything under one roof

After decades of working on commercials, music videos, promos and narrative projects, Brad founded Flying Cactus to bring everything under one roof.

With a background spanning both production and post, the goal was to serve projects from beginning to end, ensuring a cohesive creative vision throughout. It’s a shop that wants to get work done. Constantly in motion on new methods and ideas.

Brad Hasse directing on set
Brad Hasse, founder & director

Founder

Brad Hasse

A New York–based director and producer known for blending humor, heart and craft. A former globetrotting shooter and producer for the Travel Channel and MTV, he refined his commercial storytelling at FABRICA, Benetton’s creative research center in Italy.

Since then: campaigns for Google, Duracell, Dos Equis and Metro by T-Mobile, music videos for RJD2 and Moby, and the feature film Songs for a Sloth, streaming worldwide.

Brad is involved in every project Flying Cactus touches, from concept to completion.

Our approach

Three core pillars

#1 Storyfirst

Every project starts with the story: the heart, the humor, the why.

Built to scale

Then we adapt the process to the idea, not the other way around. Getting more of the budget onto the screen is always the goal.

Two actors mid-conversation on a rooftop at dusk

#2 Peoplecentered

Authentic performances and the best work come from trust. Whether it’s a trained actor, an athlete or a first-timer, people do their best work when they feel comfortable, respected and free to play.

That energy starts from the top and flows through to the crew, agency and client.

Director working with actors around a kitchen table

#3 Playalways

At our core is a spirit of experimentation. When we’re not on a client job, we’re creating, testing and exploring new tools and techniques.

That constant evolving benefits every project down the line.

Lighting a performer against a green screen

Let’s make something unforgettable

(and have fun while we’re at it).

Behind the work

How we work

When we’re not on a client job, we’re creating, testing and exploring. That constant experimenting pays off on every project down the line.

Camera crew filming a dancer
Steadicam shot of a pianist in a white cyc studio
Studio shoot with a pianist and monitors
Miniature winter village set on the camera cart
Performer in a black box studio
Talent on a green screen stage
Rooftop scene at dusk
Crew filming on a waterfront at golden hour
Cast in paper face masks at a bar
Playmobil slate on set
Green screen tabletop product shot
Brad Hasse directing talent
Crew setting up in a bright apartment location
ABC7 slate
Singer lit by a blue light tube
Dancer with flowing fabric on a dark stage
Silhouette on a green screen
Guitarist in a black and white portrait
Crew around the monitor on set