Rare is the Director to Watch who becomes a Top Director within three years. But Station Film’s Harold Einstein has justified that elevation with top creative work that took his reel up several notches this year. “New Kid” for Luvs diapers cemented his position as a director of unerring comedic timing and impeccable casting, much in the vein of his debut Crest work. But it was the broad humor of spots like Axe “Clean Your Balls” for BBH, New York and mainstream funny like Miller High Life (“Little Guys on the Big Game”), for Saatchi & Saatchi, New York, as well as a multi-spot holiday campaign for Target through Wieden+Kennedy, Portland, that really set Einstein out as a director with reach working for the biggest and brightest US agencies. A brace of ridiculous spots for Experian for Red Brick Road, London capped off a year of big things that bode well.  

What’s one thing that has happened in your life that has made the biggest impact on who you are today?
Jerry Lewis asked me the same question a few days ago at a blackjack table, and I’ll tell you what I told him. “I don’t know, man.”

What is something that not a lot of people know about you but you wish more people could know?
I prefer Zyrtec to Claritin-D.

What is your favorite tradition from your childhood that you would love to pass on to your kids?
Competitive knife throwing.

You’re given $1 million and a sticky note. You have to donate the money anonymously. Who would you give it to and what would you write to them on the note?
Having done so twice already this year, it’s best if I keep it anonymous.

How would you describe your profession to a kindergarten class full of four- and five-year-olds?
“Hello. I’m Lux’s dad. I’d like to show you what I… hey, stop touching my computer.”

What’s the one interview question you’re tired of being asked?
“Any relation?”

You’ve been profiled by Boards before. What’s one question that you just wish we’d ask you that we’ve never gotten around to?
I’m surprised you haven’t asked me how I make braised short ribs. It’s usually the first question people lead off with.

You’ve switched from directing to the agency side. Which commercials director would be your go-to director to shoot your ideas?
I started on the agency side and moved over to directing. Switching back would be metaphysically impossible.

What’s the best video you’ve seen lately?
“Treat Me Like Your Mother” for The Dead Weather. When you first see Jack White walking along that empty lot, it makes you feel that something is about to happen. Not in a way that tips anything, but in a way that makes you instantly sit up.

Do you think advertising can become a personal expression for a director?
It has to be.

Directing tip you’d give yourself if you could go back to your first job?
Don’t wear high heels and a push-up bra. Q

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