Makoto Hirano
Filmmaker. Writer. Creative Director. Photographer. 

Makoto Hirano is a self-taught storyteller with a global perspective. He began his creative career in advertising at DYR Agency in New York City, where he explored film, theater, and photography. Born in Tokyo and raised in Egypt and the United States, his passion for visual storytelling took him to Sydney, where he launched his career as a film director, collaborating with creative leaders such as David Droga and earning international recognition, including two Cannes Lions and a British D&AD.

He later founded Beast Media, with studios in Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York, providing creative direction and original content for multinational brands including Sony, Toshiba, and Godiva. Over seven years, his work directing more than 35 commercials played a significant role in nearly tripling Godiva’s sales across multiple markets.

Outside of advertising, his debut novel The German Swimmer—a work of literary fiction— is represented by Susanna Lea Associates in London.