Sam Menendez
Director / Editor / Writer
Hi there,
Director, editor and co-founder of Apollo Studios. Sam Menendez brings a documentary filmmaker’s eye to every brand he works with. His work spans hundreds of commercials, documentaries streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, and feature films.
Explore My Work
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Films & TV
Documentaries on Apple TV and Prime Video, plus episodic and branded series.
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Commercials
Hundreds of commercials for brands like PlayStation, Courvoisier and Purina.
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AI Productions
AI commercials made with real filmmaking craft, for brands like Red Bull, DJI and Campari.
My work has been featured on:
On AppleTV
Coming Next
On Amazon Prime
Apollo Originals
in Production
Stranded
How do you come home when there's no home to come back to?
Stranded is the first narrative feature from Apollo Studios, following more than a decade of documentary work. Written and produced in-house and currently in production, it tells the story of an astronaut orbiting Earth when a nuclear disaster engulfs the planet, leaving her stranded above a world she may never return to.
Written, directed, produced & edited by Sam Menendez · Executive produced by Annie Menendez
The Darkest Morning
On the morning of September 11, 2001, dozens of people were supposed to be at the World Trade Center and weren't.
This documentary, currently in development, tells their stories. A missed train. A sick child. A meeting moved at the last minute. Through intimate interviews, we meet survivors whose lives were spared by small, ordinary twists of fate, and explore how they've carried that morning with them ever since.
Directed, produced & edited by Sam Menendez · Executive produced by Annie Menendez
Moon Landing
What if mankind's greatest leap was staged, and the only people who didn't know were the men taking it?
With the Soviets pulling ahead in the space race, NASA makes a bold promise: the world will watch live as Americans set foot on the moon. Apollo 11 lifts off carrying the hopes of the free world. But behind closed doors, the people in charge have already decided the mission can't be allowed to fail, even if it was never going to succeed.
Written, directed, produced & edited by Sam Menendez · Executive produced by Annie Menendez
What my clients and colleagues say about me:
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''I have nothing but positive words for you man. I love your sensibilities and perspective on telling a story. I’m super proud of this piece and have been sharing with friends all day long. Thank you for your patience and willingness to deliver nothing but the best quality…it truly shows through your work. ''
Brandon Akiaten, PlayStation Studios.
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"I've had the privilege of working with Apollo Studios for the last year or so, and continue to be impressed by their work. Sam is the consummate professional: No doubt talented, kind and generous, and always willing to answer my many questions. He and his team guided me through every step of the creative process, paid attention to the smallest details, and were always a quick email or phone call away. Highly recommend!
Enrique Lopez, Lewis Brisbois
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''The capacity that Sam has to connect with your needs and move efficiently towards a common goal without compromising quality is outstanding. His in-house personal team at Apollo Studios is equally talented and impressive. I've worked with Sam in countless projects throughout the years and I will work with him and his team in any project, at any time, highly recommended.''
Dane Christensen, Dansker Media
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"Sam is a true artist that can take mediocre ideas and bring them to life in a way that time and again shatters expectations. In a "you get what you pay for" kind of world, Sam brings all the extras for free. It's always the biggest relief when I reach out to him for a project and he signs on. From that moment on, the details no longer matter. I know we're in good hands whatever happens. My advice? Hire him before we can't afford him anymore. He's a star in every sense of the word. "
Casey DeMarco, Production Supervisor at Hayden5
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''If you're looking for top-tier talent, look no further. Sam has an exceptional eye for the little details that elevate a project and take it to the next level. He is truly a master of his craft.I'm incredibly grateful to have found him and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone who wants exceptional video work that speaks for itself.''
Alix Spurce, Enso Homes
Some of my recent work
Let’s Work Together
sam@theapollostudios.com
Sam Menendez
Co-Founder of Apollo Studios
Writer, Director, Editor
Pasadena, California
Park City, Utah