Hennegans are Passionate Filmmakers with a Distinctive Pedigree 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA, December 14, 2007 - VILLAINS has signed The Hennegan Brothers for exclusive US spot representation.

While this is the duo's first spotmaking roost, brothers John and Brad Hennegan have more than made their bones in production and promotion.

At the Washington DC bureau of CNN, during the O.J. Simpson trial, John (pictured left) helped launch Burden of Proof featuring legal analyst Greta Van Susteren. Relocating to Los Angeles, he worked with directors Betty Thomas and Mark Pellington, and for Ted Field's Radar Pictures (formerly Interscope Films). Now based in New York, this writer/producer/director counts CSTV, ESPN, ABC, the NBA, 20th Century Fox and TBWA/Chiat/Day among his clients.    

Brad (pictured right) has worked consistently in television for the last decade holding positions such as the Director of On-Air Promotions at CSTV (College Sports Television), the Director of On-Air Promotions and Branding at the Independent Film Channel and the Director of Special Projects at USA Broadcasting in Miami. Prior to working at IFC, Brad worked as a writer, producer and director for several brands including HBO, ESPN, Showtime and Bravo. He began television career as a production assistant on feature films and commercials before landing a job at Martha Stewart Living as the Assistant Director of her syndicated television show on CBS.

How the Hennegan Brothers came to meet VILLAINS Executive Producer Nancy Osborne and sign with her company, however, has more to do with horse racing than resumes.

Growing up on Long Island, the Hennegan Brothers developed a passion for horse racing at an early age. As the sons of a New York Racing Association placing judge, John and Brad spent much of their youth at the racetrack. Their first jobs at the track included everything from ice cream vendors, ushers and security guards to horse handlers on the backstretch.

This history is the genesis of "The First Saturday in May", an affecting and accomplished feature  documentary that aims to make horse racing cool again by telling the stories of the hard-working, dedicated and resilient individuals who dedicate their lives to the horses they love. The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, and when reccommended to Osborne by a mutual friend, the doc moved her to reach out to the Hennegans.

"I find the Hennegans to be extraordinary filmmakers," Osborne says. "This is an extremely impressive feature debut. Watching the film it was clear to me - they get it." Osborne adds that she views The Hennegan Brothers as more than directors. "The industry is seeking creative solutions, and that's what John and Brad are bringing to the table."

The Brothers say they were ecstatic to receive Osborne's call. "VILLAINS has a great reputation,and we  have always heard great things about them," says Brad. "They have always been known to build talent and they are carrying on that tradition with the current roster."

Of their pedigree and multi-hyphenates, says John, "People are not just looking for directors, they are now looking for people that wear many hats as we do. We feel we are both very well-rounded."

Particularly impressive for a first feature, "The First Saturday in May" was shot over the course of two years, with the Hennegans wearing whatever hats were necessary. Top of mind was the goal of sharing their intimate knowledge of the close-knit racing community, which includes many colorful characters.

"The race track has always been filled with a great mix of people, real people," recalls John. "It was a rare mix of personalities and classes, from the ultra-wealthy to the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, all working together."

The Hennegan Brothers hope to bring their experiences to the spot casting process. "We sense a shift in the industry and an increasing appetite to see real people," notes Brad. Adding that the pair reject stereotypical notions of 'real people' casting or 'humor directors', John points out that "regardless of whether or not we use union talent, we bring a sensibility that is grounded in reality. The same applies to comedy; you may think that your Cousin Irv is only funny to you...but in reality, everyone has a Cousin Irv."