Billboard Women in Music 2025
EXCLUSIVE: Cole Webley, director of the acclaimed Sundance drama Omaha, starring John Magaro, has signed with Artists First for management.
Marking Webley’s feature directorial debut, Omaha follows a father (Magaro) who after a family tragedy, takes his two young children Ella (Molly Wright) and Charlie (Wyatt Solis) on a journey across the country, experiencing a world they’ve never seen before. As their adventure unfolds, Ella begins to understand that things might not be what they seem. The film garnered rave reviews when it premiered in U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance 2025.
A Washington native currently based in Utah, where he shot part of Omaha, Webley frequently explores themes of family and connection despite differences in his work. He spent his formative years running a paper route and attending wrestling tournaments before beginning to direct commercials and short films. In 2021, his commercial “The Epidemic” won the AICP Advertising Excellence/Single Award given to the best commercial of the year. Additionally, his commercials “Agape” for New York Life and “The Journey” for 84 Lumber had premieres during the Super Bowl, solidifying his status as a creative force in the industry.
Cole’s career has garnered him accolades including the Cannes Lion, Clio, AICP, One Show, and D&AD, to name a few. He continues to be represented by UTA.
Artists First, a talent management and production company focused on actors, writers, directors and producers in film, television, and digital media, has a client roster that includes Martin Lawrence, Awkwafina, Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Niecy Nash, Judy Greer, Will Arnett, Ike Barinholtz, Paul Walter Hauser, Kate McKinnon, Michael Showalter, Jon M. Chu, Lior Raz, Mitch Hurwitz and Cristela Alonzo, among others. Productions include Incoming, Twisted Metal, Quiz Lady, Central Intelligence, Like a Boss, Keanu, Black-ish, Mixed-ish, Grown-ish, The Last O.G., Hit and Run, and Reno 911!.
Other recent signings for Artists First include Major League Wrestling and actors Dyllón Burnside and Nia Long.
