Les Umberger

He/Him

Creative director and visual artist Les Umberger has made a lasting impact on visual media with his groundbreaking approach to music videos and commercials. His bold, avant-garde vision has shaped some of the most iconic and influential works in the Industry.

An Atlanta native, Les launched his career at just 14 as a part-time camera operator at a small local studio, where he honed his craft—mastering video editing and storytelling in his off hours.

His big break came when renowned director Hype Williams discovered his talent during a late-night emergency session for a music video. This chance encounter propelled him to Los Angeles, where he continued pushing creative boundaries. Over the years, he held executive creative roles at some of the top studios in LA.

Driven by a desire to innovate on his own terms, Les left the traditional studio system to forge his own path. This led to the founding of his independent studio, MOD—a bold move that quickly paid off. The studio gained acclaim for its groundbreaking work, earning multiple awards while consistently redefining industry standards and captivating audiences with visionary projects.

When Adwell invited Les to direct ads during the 2024 election cycle, he eagerly accepted. Inspired by Adwell’s vision, dedication, and team of driven creatives, Les ultimately joined the firm full-time.

Les Umberger’s résumé is a testament to his influence on pop culture, spanning everything from Super Bowl ads and halftime shows to billion-view music videos. His work has earned multiple Emmys, Clios, AICP, BDA, and London International Awards —among many others—and has been archived in the Museum of Modern Art’s Film Collection in New York.