rewrite this title Underscore Talent Ups Nadi Filsoof To Partner & Hires BuzzFeed Alum For Shorthand Studios

EXCLUSIVE: Underscore Talent has upped Nadi Filsoof to partner and hired former BuzzFeed content producer Zack Evans for its recently-launched digital production and distribution business.

Filsoof is promoted from talent manager and will continue to oversee a client list of creators and entertainers including Phaith Montoya, Charly Jordan, Lindsay Brewer, Merrick Hanna, Daniela Legarda, Vik White, Jojo Sim, Austin Sprinz, Lexi Hensler and Jesse Metcalfe.

Looking after their content strategies, brand partnerships and IP developments, he’ll now report to Underscore co-CEOs Dan Weinstein and Reza Izad.

Filsoof began his career in the UTA mailroom and later joined ICM Partners as an agent and later worked at Fathom Events, where he negotiated partnerships with AMC Networks, and at Mattel, where he led on brand partnerships and marketing for the likes of Hot Wheels, Cars and Mario Kart. At TheSoul Publishing-owned Underscore, he has brokered deals with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Nike and Mastercard.

“Underscore Talent prides itself on being a management company at the forefront of the social-first evolution, creating opportunities that didn’t exist yesterday for our clients,” said Izad. “Nadi has proven time and again that he has the strategic vision not only to guide creators to global success, but to help shape the next generation of talent managers inside Underscore.”

Filsoof added: “Creators today aren’t just looking for high-volume brand deals. They’re building their own media empires. Underscore is uniquely positioned to support that vision, helping creators think long-term about ownership, IP, and sustainable growth.”

Shorthand Studios builds

Evans, meanwhile, as been hired as VP, Creative Strategy at Shorthand Studios, Underscore’s recently-launched digital production arm. He will lead social media management and content strategy for celebs, athletes and creators.

His hire marks Underscore’s move into the ‘public personalities’ business, which it bills as a growing segment of the creator economy where digital-first storytelling shapes how traditional talent builds their presence with social-native audiences on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Evans worked at online news and entertainment site BuzzFeed between 2014 and 2018 and has gone on to work with the likes of Comedy Central, Facebook, Verizon and Netflix. He’s also the founder of Create.Repeat, a creative studio for digital storytellers.

Clients who will come under his purview at Shorthand include Will Clarke and Nick Norwitz, with more announced in coming months.

“Zack brings an incredible blend of creative instinct and industry experience,” said Nicholas Jacklin, partner and President of Business Development at Shorthand Studios. “He’s one of the rare creatives who has lived at the center of internet culture and understands how to translate that into strategy for celebrities and legacy talent looking to build modern digital brands.”

“At this point, social media has evolved from the side channel to the main stage,” added Evans. “After years helping brands and creators shape their voices online, I’m excited to join Shorthand Studios to help public personalities tell stories that actually connect. It’s about turning ideas into impact.”

Underscore launched in 2021 and represents creators from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, Snapchat, the gaming world and podcasting.