Similar But Different

The directing duo Similar But Different is comprised of Charlotte Fassler – former visual editor and producer at Man Repeller – as well as Dani Girdwood – protégé of director Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale, I Think We’re Alone Now).

The NY based directing duo is known for their work with raw human stories and authentic performance. Called a “female powerhouse duo” by Ad Week’s Lindsay Rittenhouse, SBD’s directing work has been honored by The British Arrows, The Ciclopes, AICP Next Awards, Cannes, The Andy Awards, and The Tribeca Film Festival – as well as celebrated by Rolling Stone, Billboard, HuffPost, Ad Age, Substream Magazine, and Market Insider.

In March 2018, they received the inaugural grant from the Shift Creative Fund for their narrative short centered on two pioneer women traversing across the American West (which premiered with a staff pick on Vimeo in 2020).

With roots in the music video space, they have worked with artists such as The Chainsmokers, Liam Payne, Mainland, and Carlie Hanson. In the commercial space, the two have directed award-winning campaigns for Spotify, Diesel, Google, Land O’Lakes, Kohl’s, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, among others. Most recently, the duo remotely directed a campaign for CVS Beauty while in quarantine – the spot, which premiered as an Editor’s pick on Ad Age, was the centerpiece of an article titled “How CVS made an ad during the pandemic that looks nothing like an ad made during the pandemic.”