The Cavalry Productions Signs Comedy Director Melissa Bolton-Klinger

The Cavalry Productions has signed comedy Director Melissa Bolton-Klinger for spot work, branded content and virtual reality. The announcement was made by Cavalry Executive Producers Tanya Cohen and Ross Grogan. Bolton-Klinger has directed A-list talents Amy Schumer, The Rock, Ray Romano, Snoop Dog and Kevin Hart among many others.

Fearless Comedic Voice

“We are all fully aware there are far too few female directors in the media landscape, even fewer in the comedy and action genres. Melissa is here to change that,” says Tanya Cohen. “She’s a badass. She has flawless comedic timing, whether it be subtle nuanced humor and performance, or more raunchy bathroom style! Her brand of funny starts with her own sassy sense of humor, which always makes the collaboration inspiring and entertaining. There is a reason why Viacom, Sony, Paramount, Fox, Lionsgate, MTV and Comedy Central all come to her.”

Groundling Improv

Bolton-Klinger studied at L.A.’s infamous improv and comedy troupe, The Groundlings. Working with a vast array of talented people at The Groundlings helped Bolton-Klinger hone her craft in terms of directing talent. “Improv taught me how to read the room, how to pivot when unexpected wrenches get thrown at you, literally and figuratively.” Says Bolton-Klinger “It taught me how to work quickly and get different performances from people, so there are options in the edit beyond what was scripted. That flexibility has saved me a few times in my directing career, especially when you might only have a couple of hours max with celebrity talent.”

Bring It

Bolton-Klinger was looking for a company that would help her expand into other platforms. “I love that the Cavalry is a production company that straddles between traditional and future story telling technology,” she says. “(EPs) Ross (Grogan) and Tanya (Cohen) are the dreamiest of dream teams. Ross and I both did a tenure at G4 sharing a love of video games and tech culture. Tanya is amazing because she not only is an Advertising BOSS, but has a Literary Agency pedigree and knows how to bring home the boards that target my style and sensibility. That’s a sweet spot for this director. And did I mention that they both have an amazing fashion sense which forces me to shower more often and not always show up to set in my old dirty Vans?”