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director of Philadelphia, Ti Amo (2011), starring Rebecca Rittenhouse
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American filmmaker, director
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{{Infobox person
#REDIRECT [[Rebecca Rittenhouse#Film]]
| name = Jeff Ayars
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date =
| birth_place = [[Media, Pennsylvania]]
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality = American
| education = [[Cornell University]], [[University of Pennsylvania]]
| occupation = Filmmaker and actor
| years_active =
| known_for = ''Cannibal Milkshake''
| notable_works = ''Philadelphia, Ti Amo'' (2011)
}}
'''Jeff Ayars''' is an American filmmaker and actor known for writing, directing, and performing in the comedy duo ''Cannibal Milkshake'' alongside Dan Rosen. He is also known for directing the film ''Philadelphia, Ti Amo'' (2011), which starred [[Rebecca Rittenhouse]].<ref name=cornell />

==Education==
Ayars grew up in [[Media, Pennsylvania]], where he attended [[Penncrest High School]] and was one of 595 students in the country to receive a national writing award from the [[National Council of Teachers of English|NCTE]] during his senior year.<ref>[https://www.inquirer.com/philly/local/pa/main_line_delaware/nabes/20080224_School_Notes_4.html School Notes]. ''The Philadelphia Inquirer''. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref> Ayars went on to attend [[Cornell University]] from 2008 to 2013, graduating with a [[Bachelor of Fine Arts]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aap.cornell.edu/news-events/molly-messersmith-jeffrey-ayars-and-da-ying-inapprorpiation |title=Molly Messersmith, Jeffrey Ayars, and Da Ying: Inapprorpiation |last= |first= |date=May 20, 2013 |publisher=Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.cornell.edu/essentials/2016/02/ayars-13-not-horsing-around-revenant-parody |title=Ayars '13 not horsing around in 'Revenant' parody |last= |first= |date=February 29, 2016 |publisher=Cornell Chronicle |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ithacavoice.com/2015/02/cornell-grads-american-sniper-parody-makes-national-news/ |title=Cornell grads' 'American Sniper' parody makes national news |last=Stein |first=Jeff |date=February 26, 2015 |publisher=The Ithaca Voice |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref> During his time at Cornell, Ayars produced videos for the ''[[Cornell Daily Sun]]'' as well as other companies and campus organizations. While on a brief hiatus from Cornell, Ayars studied creative writing at The [[University of Pennsylvania]], where he published a satire of [[Franz Kafka]].<ref>[https://www.dolphin.upenn.edu/fcpaper/FEB22.pdf University of Pennsylvania]</ref> Ayars' film and pop-culture thesis was an exploration of personas in film using [[Ryan Gosling]] quotations.<ref>[https://aap.cornell.edu/news-events/molly-messersmith-jeffrey-ayars-and-da-ying-inapprorpiation Molly Messersmith, Jeffrey Ayars, and Da Ying: Inapprorpiation]. ''Cornell Architecture Art Planning''. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref>

==Career==
As a child, Ayars was in two television commercials for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] in 1993 and 1994. His father, [[NBC Sports]] executive and [[Emmy Award]] winner Robert Ayars,<ref>[https://www.sportsvideo.org/2012/09/28/rockets-astros-find-new-home-with-comcast-sportsnet-houston/ Rockets, Astros Find New Home With Comcast SportsNet Houston]. ''Sportsvideo''. 2012-09-28. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref> who at the time worked for the [[PRISM (TV channel)|PRISM television network]], shot and directed the commercials.<ref name=imdb>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4590088/bio Biography]. ''IMDb''. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref>

Ayars has gone on to act, produce, direct, edit, and write for various forms of media such as online content, film, television, documentary, short film, and commercial.<ref name=imdb />

===Cannibal Milkshake===
Cannibal Milkshake is a comedy partnership between Jeff Ayars and his [[Cornell University]] classmate Dan Rosen. The duo produces, writes, directs, edits, and acts in their videos, and are [[List of The New Yorker contributors|frequent contributors]] to ''[[The New Yorker]]''.<ref>[https://www.newyorker.com/search/q/Jeff%20Ayars Jeff Ayars]. ''[[The New Yorker]]''. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref> Ayars and Rosen's sketches have also been featured by [[College Humor]], [[Funny or Die]], [[Comedy Central]], ''[[Fortune Magazine]]'', and [[Elizabeth Banks]]' WhoHaHa network. Their work is largely tech-world satire and movie parodies, notably featuring Ayars performing as a crazed [[Bradley Cooper]], [[Oscar Awards]]-hungry [[Leonardo DiCaprio]], finance-bro [[Ryan Gosling]], and [[James Bond]] as a stressed-out dad.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/being-a-dad-is-toughest-challenge-yet-for-james-bond/ |title=James Bond faces his toughest challenge yet: Being a dad |last=Domanico |first=Anthony |date=2015-11-11 |publisher=CNET |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref> Ayars and Rosen have also performed live at New York City venues like the [[Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre]].<ref>[https://www.cannibalmilkshake.com/bio-contact Cannibal Milkshake]. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref>

===Film===
Ayars' first short film during college starred [[Rebecca Rittenhouse]] and went on to screen at the [[Philadelphia Film Festival]].<ref name=inquirer>[https://www.inquirer.com/philly/entertainment/20111031_Dan_Gross__Wendy_Williams_speaks_out.html Dan Gross: Wendy Williams speaks out]. ''The Philadelphia Inquirer''. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref><ref name=cornell>[http://blogs.cornell.edu/theessentials/2011/10/31/love-in-philadelphia/ Love in Philadelphia]. [[Cornell University]]. 2011-10-31. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref> His work has subsequently been featured at the NYC Web Fest, [[New York City Independent Film Festival]], [[Manhattan Film Festival]], New Filmmakers Los Angeles, [[Cinequest Film Festival]], The [[Lower East Side]] Film Festival,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lesfilmfestival.com/2019/films/this-is-our-home |title=This Is Our Home |last= |first= |date=2019 |publisher=The Lower East Side Film Festival |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref> and the [[Tribeca Film Festival]].<ref>[https://tribecafilm.com/snapchatshorts Tribeca Film Festival]. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref><ref name=imdb /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/310882/full-line-up-announced-for-brooklyn-horror-film-festival/ |title=Full Line-Up Announced for BROOKLYN HORROR FILM FESTIVAL |last= |first= |date= |publisher=Dead Central |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref>

Ayars produced and starred in the 2019 psychological thriller feature, ''This Is Our Home''. Directed by long-time friend and collaborator Omri Dorani, the film tells the story of a struggling couple on a weekend away that takes a turn with the arrival of a mysterious child.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8179944/ ''This Is Our Home''] (2019). Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref>

The subject of mental health is an important theme in Ayars' work.<ref>[https://www.seedandspark.com/fund/borderline-coffee-1#team Borderline Coffee]. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref> He was one of 75 creators selected to attend the Kindred Mind Matters mental health summit sponsored by [[HBO]].<ref>[https://deadline.com/2019/06/hbo-kindred-mental-health-quest-mind-matters-anthony-rapp-1202634282/ HBO Partners With Social Impact Organization Kindred For Mental Health Event]. ''Deadline''. June 19, 2019. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref>

Ayars is developing a romantic comedy feature film ''GOLD BOY'' that deals with the subject of mental health and is inspired by his own struggles at [[Cornell University]].<ref>[https://medium.com/@JeffAyars/no-superpowers-just-spandex-the-other-half-of-my-story-7d7cea747b15 No superpowers, just spandex: the other half of my story]. ''Medium''. Jul 14, 2019. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref> The film pitch was a finalist in the Yes, And Laughter Lab initiative to combine comedy and social justice sponsored by [[Comedy Central]].<ref>[https://yesandlaughterlab.com/2019-winners/ 2019 winners]. ''Yes, And Laughter Lab''. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref>

===Television===
Since 2013, Ayars has worked at [[Comcast]] [[NBCUniversal]], and is currently working as a writer and producer for ''[[Morning Joe]]'' on [[MSNBC]].<ref>[http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/17-states-submit-proposals-host-hyperloop-certification-center 17 states submit proposals to host Hyperloop certification center]. ''[[Morning Joe]]'' on [[MSNBC]]. Accessed June 22, 2020.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://muckrack.com/jeff-ayars |title=Jeff Ayars |publisher=Muckrack |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref> He previously worked producing EPKs and promos for [[NBCUniversal]].

Ayars has also starred in national television commercials.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pagesix.com/2017/07/17/cristina-cuomo-stars-in-girl-power-delta-blade-commercial/ |title=Cristina Greeven Cuomo stars in high-flying ad |last=Smith |first=Emily |date=July 17, 2017 |publisher=Page Six |access-date=June 22, 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

*{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKo15fF_n7U&list=PLWDGbl5cnBKVT-s3zBIhpO7zdmS5j2qkH |title=An auteur is born |access-date=June 22, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=https://horrorbuzz.com/2019/03/10/cinequest-2019-review-this-is-our-home-review/ |title=CineQuest 2019 Review: This Is Our Home |last= |first= |date=2019-03-10 |publisher=Horrorbuzz |access-date=June 22, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/290140/exclusive-clip-from-this-is-our-home/ |title=Exclusive Clip From THIS IS OUR HOME |last= |first= |date=February 26, 2019 |publisher=Dread Central |access-date=June 22, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/home-video/3592725/couple-tormented-new-child-home-trailer/ |title=Couple Tormented by Their New Child in ‘This is Our Home' |last=Miska |first=Brad |date=November 5, 2019 |publisher=Bloody Disgusting |access-date=June 22, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=https://fortune.com/2017/02/24/la-la-land-parody-new-york-finance-tech/ |title=This ‘La La Land' Parody Skewers New York's Finance and Tech Industries |last=Huddleston Jr. |first=Tom |date=2017-02-24 |publisher=Fortune |access-date=June 22, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3042635/canadian-sniper-offers-a-complex-moral-exploration-of-the-question-of-what-to-do-when-moose- |title=“Canadian Sniper” Offers A Complex Moral Exploration Of The Question Of What To Do When Moose Invade A Tim Hortons |last=Solomon |first=Dan |date=2015-02-19 |publisher=Fast Company |access-date=June 22, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.theblaze.com/news/2016/02/24/comedy-star-of-the-revenant-parody-shares-his-take-on-the-film-discusses-oscar-predictions |title=Comedy Star of 'The Revenant' Parody Shares His Take on the Film, Discusses Oscar Predictions |last=Hoilman |first=Carly |date=2016-02-24 |publisher=The Blaze |access-date=June 22, 2020}}
*{{cite web |url=https://www.delcotimes.com/arts_and_entertainment/television-these-guys-know-media-is-perfect-place-for-horror/article_b966e75b-2aea-5466-b53c-63951f303293.html |title=Television: These guys know Media is perfect place for horror |last=Zoren |first=Neal |date= Oct 8, 2017 |publisher=Delco Times |access-date=June 22, 2020}}

==External links==
*{{Official site|https://www.jeffayars.com}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ayars, Jeff}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American filmmakers]]
[[Category:Filmmakers from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Actors from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Cornell University alumni]]
[[Category:University of Pennsylvania alumni]]

Revision as of 01:39, 1 July 2020

Jeff Ayars
Born
Media, Pennsylvania
NationalityAmerican
EducationCornell University, University of Pennsylvania
Occupation(s)Filmmaker and actor
Known forCannibal Milkshake
Notable workPhiladelphia, Ti Amo (2011)

Jeff Ayars is an American filmmaker and actor known for writing, directing, and performing in the comedy duo Cannibal Milkshake alongside Dan Rosen. He is also known for directing the film Philadelphia, Ti Amo (2011), which starred Rebecca Rittenhouse.[1]

Education

Ayars grew up in Media, Pennsylvania, where he attended Penncrest High School and was one of 595 students in the country to receive a national writing award from the NCTE during his senior year.[2] Ayars went on to attend Cornell University from 2008 to 2013, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.[3][4][5] During his time at Cornell, Ayars produced videos for the Cornell Daily Sun as well as other companies and campus organizations. While on a brief hiatus from Cornell, Ayars studied creative writing at The University of Pennsylvania, where he published a satire of Franz Kafka.[6] Ayars' film and pop-culture thesis was an exploration of personas in film using Ryan Gosling quotations.[7]

Career

As a child, Ayars was in two television commercials for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1993 and 1994. His father, NBC Sports executive and Emmy Award winner Robert Ayars,[8] who at the time worked for the PRISM television network, shot and directed the commercials.[9]

Ayars has gone on to act, produce, direct, edit, and write for various forms of media such as online content, film, television, documentary, short film, and commercial.[9]

Cannibal Milkshake

Cannibal Milkshake is a comedy partnership between Jeff Ayars and his Cornell University classmate Dan Rosen. The duo produces, writes, directs, edits, and acts in their videos, and are frequent contributors to The New Yorker.[10] Ayars and Rosen's sketches have also been featured by College Humor, Funny or Die, Comedy Central, Fortune Magazine, and Elizabeth Banks' WhoHaHa network. Their work is largely tech-world satire and movie parodies, notably featuring Ayars performing as a crazed Bradley Cooper, Oscar Awards-hungry Leonardo DiCaprio, finance-bro Ryan Gosling, and James Bond as a stressed-out dad.[11] Ayars and Rosen have also performed live at New York City venues like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.[12]

Film

Ayars' first short film during college starred Rebecca Rittenhouse and went on to screen at the Philadelphia Film Festival.[13][1] His work has subsequently been featured at the NYC Web Fest, New York City Independent Film Festival, Manhattan Film Festival, New Filmmakers Los Angeles, Cinequest Film Festival, The Lower East Side Film Festival,[14] and the Tribeca Film Festival.[15][9][16]

Ayars produced and starred in the 2019 psychological thriller feature, This Is Our Home. Directed by long-time friend and collaborator Omri Dorani, the film tells the story of a struggling couple on a weekend away that takes a turn with the arrival of a mysterious child.[17]

The subject of mental health is an important theme in Ayars' work.[18] He was one of 75 creators selected to attend the Kindred Mind Matters mental health summit sponsored by HBO.[19]

Ayars is developing a romantic comedy feature film GOLD BOY that deals with the subject of mental health and is inspired by his own struggles at Cornell University.[20] The film pitch was a finalist in the Yes, And Laughter Lab initiative to combine comedy and social justice sponsored by Comedy Central.[21]

Television

Since 2013, Ayars has worked at Comcast NBCUniversal, and is currently working as a writer and producer for Morning Joe on MSNBC.[22][23] He previously worked producing EPKs and promos for NBCUniversal.

Ayars has also starred in national television commercials.[24]

References

  1. ^ a b Love in Philadelphia. Cornell University. 2011-10-31. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  2. ^ School Notes. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  3. ^ "Molly Messersmith, Jeffrey Ayars, and Da Ying: Inapprorpiation". Cornell University College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. May 20, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  4. ^ "Ayars '13 not horsing around in 'Revenant' parody". Cornell Chronicle. February 29, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  5. ^ Stein, Jeff (February 26, 2015). "Cornell grads' 'American Sniper' parody makes national news". The Ithaca Voice. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  6. ^ University of Pennsylvania
  7. ^ Molly Messersmith, Jeffrey Ayars, and Da Ying: Inapprorpiation. Cornell Architecture Art Planning. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  8. ^ Rockets, Astros Find New Home With Comcast SportsNet Houston. Sportsvideo. 2012-09-28. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c Biography. IMDb. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  10. ^ Jeff Ayars. The New Yorker. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  11. ^ Domanico, Anthony (2015-11-11). "James Bond faces his toughest challenge yet: Being a dad". CNET. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  12. ^ Cannibal Milkshake. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  13. ^ Dan Gross: Wendy Williams speaks out. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  14. ^ "This Is Our Home". The Lower East Side Film Festival. 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  15. ^ Tribeca Film Festival. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  16. ^ "Full Line-Up Announced for BROOKLYN HORROR FILM FESTIVAL". Dead Central. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  17. ^ This Is Our Home (2019). Accessed June 22, 2020.
  18. ^ Borderline Coffee. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  19. ^ HBO Partners With Social Impact Organization Kindred For Mental Health Event. Deadline. June 19, 2019. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  20. ^ No superpowers, just spandex: the other half of my story. Medium. Jul 14, 2019. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  21. ^ 2019 winners. Yes, And Laughter Lab. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  22. ^ 17 states submit proposals to host Hyperloop certification center. Morning Joe on MSNBC. Accessed June 22, 2020.
  23. ^ "Jeff Ayars". Muckrack. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  24. ^ Smith, Emily (July 17, 2017). "Cristina Greeven Cuomo stars in high-flying ad". Page Six. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
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