Esteban "Steve" Petersen is a Korean-Cuban, Emmy-winning television and commercial director whose dynamic body of work spans a myriad of commercials and countless hours of broadcast television. With a sharp cinematic eye and an instinct for performance and visual storytelling, Steve has helmed campaigns and episodic content for major networks and global brands, including Disney, AMC, National Geographic, Discovery, Toyota, GEICO, Ubisoft, and Microsoft.
With a strong background in visual design, Steve brings a rare combination of narrative command and technical innovation to every production. His directorial work has been recognized with top industry honors including a Primetime Emmy Award, Clio, Telly, and multiple Promax Gold and Silver awards.

A veteran of the industry with over two decades of experience, Steve began his career as a visual effects artist and editor before co-founding Big Machine, an influential LA-based studio that delivered premium content across film, TV, and advertising. There, he expanded his creative voice as an executive creative director while continuing to build his reel as a director trusted by agencies and studios alike.

His range as a director includes emotionally grounded character work, highly stylized action, branded storytelling, and large-scale experiential pieces. Whether on a commercial shoot or a narrative television set, Steve is known for his ability to lead high-performing creative teams and deliver work that resonates deeply with audiences.

A member of the Television Academy and the Producers Guild of America, Steve holds a BFA in Film and Photographic Arts from Syracuse University. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.