Production Paradise

Welcome to the June edition of SHOWCASE London, featuring some of the city's best visual media companies and professionals. You'll find more in our international directory at www.productionparadise.com.

Lon creativity/advertising agencies: PUBLICIS

Client: Renault

Agency: Publicis (London)
Creatives: Gavin Kellet, David Hillyard, Nik Studzinski
Agency Producer: Colin Hickson
Director: Jeff Thomas
Production: Paul Weiland Film Company, London
Producer: Kate Martin
Post-Production: The Moving Picture Company, London
Editing House: Speade (London) - Editor: Sam Sneade

Lon creativity/advertising agencies: OGILVY & MATHER

Client: Ford

Agency: Ogilvy & Mather (London)
Creatives: Paul Diver, Alan Morrice
Agency Producer: Mark Rossiter
Director: Greg Gray
Director of Photography: Paul Gilpen
Production: Velocity Films, Cape Town
Producer: Helena Woodfine
Post-Production: The Mill, London
Editing House: Elevator, Cape Town - Editor: Kobus Loots
Sound Engineer: Ben Leeves

Lon photography/photographers' agents: ANGELA WOODS

Lon photography/photographers' agents: TRAFFIC

Traffic is a brand new agency that launched last month - and they already have some interesting projects to announce:

Jasper White shot the HSBC global campaign, via JWT, and the follow-up BMI pan-European campaign, via Euro RSCG. He also recently received news of an American Annual Award and a secret brief in collaboration with JWT’s Nick Bell.

Underwater photographer Candice has received coverage in UK Vogue for her underwater images of actress Keira Knightley. Plans are underway to add Lily Cole and Cindy Crawford to the Fresh2O Project, capturing the supermodels in the watery underworld later in the year with an exhibition to follow. Candice continues her commercial work for brands including Chanel, Nivea, Knickerbox and Mothercare.

John Rensten continues to combine his signature ‘forensic style’ still life with his more humorous model-make and people work for Virgin, Lloyds, COI and Tango.

And Tony Hopewell unleashes a portfolio of textured landscapes to complement his lifestyle archive, while Martin Bennett fuses minimalist interiors with chic fashion.

Lon photography/photographers: LORENTZ GULLACHSEN

Lorentz Gullachsen spent time earlier this year freezing on an airfield shooting a worldwide campaign for Castrol before heading off to sunny Miami for GHD. In between, he was shooting skies for an upcoming project - watch this space for more information on that.

Lorentz says: "I just love this job, photographing big trucks, burning boats and beautiful women... a lad's dream! Just imagine, I thought I'd just be a surf-bum..."

Lon photography/photographers: JULIA FULLERTON-BATTEN

Julia Fullerton-Batten continues to attract awards this year: at the Royal Photographic Society Awards, she won a Bronze to add to the Gold she won last year; the AOP awarded her a Merit; she had three images nominated in the Professional category at the International Color Awards; and an advertising commission from Paris achieved bronze at the Clio Awards in Miami. In addition, two images have been selected for American Photography 22.

In London, her solo exhibition at the Charing X Gallery continues, while her new exhibition of "outstanding figures who have shaped healthcare in the 21st century" just opened in Transept Room 40 at National Portrait Gallery (until October). The second edition of her "Teenage Stories" runs in Arles, France until 21 July. She will also be exhibiting in New Mexico.

For a more detailed profile of Julia, see articles in this month's RPS Journal and Image magazine. You can also find out more at Julia's newly designed and updated website.

Lon photography/photographers: PAUL WEBSTER

Paul Webster, one of London's top food photographers, has just moved to a new daylight garden studio in South West London where he has been updating his folio, with some examples shown here.

His latest commissioned projects include updating the new range of Slimfast Packaging as seen in the latest commercials, Waitrose pizzas and pies, Veuve Cliquot posters for World Duty Free as well as other projects.

Paul says that he is enjoying his photography and seeking out new challenges.

Please contact him direct to see the new folio - contact details at the website.

Lon photography/photographers: JULIAN CALVERLEY

Lon photography/photographers: TONY HUTCHINGS

Tony has recently shot three high profile crime thriller covers for Random House in London at his studio near Old Street, London.

Some of his recent work is for overseas clients via the Internet and this year sees two of these projects gaining recognition in the 2006 Graphics Advertising Annual.

Current projects include two series of charity ad campaigns in the UK and personal work featuring stones.

During his spare time, Tony flies gliders and recently shot some air-to-air images as a personal project.

Lon photography/photographers: GEORGE KAVANAGH

Location and people photographer George Kavanagh's images are strong and distinctive due to the way he uses lighting and filters.

This can be seen in the images presented here, from his recent ad series from his Dubai shoot for client EMAAR, via ad agency Team Y&R.

He took third place in the Professional Photographer of the Year at this year's International Color Awards.

Lon photography/photographers: DAVID PARFITT

“Annoyingly painstaking in his attitude and approach, good is never good enough. And boy, the results are spectacular every time.” Anita Brightly-Hodges, creative director, Still Waters Run Deep.

Still-life photographer David Parfitt is best known for his strong elegant use of lighting and composition. He has most recently been working on commissions for Phillips, Max Factor and The Body Shop International.

Lon photography/photographers: HOWARD KINGSNORTH

Here, you can see the following images by Howard:

Alberto Tomba: "the Gary Lineker of Italy". Ex Olympic skier shot for Samsung to herald the start of the Winter Olympics in Turin. Agency: Cheil. AD Alan Docherty.

Bryan Habana: Springbox rugby star. Photographed in his home town of Johannesburg in between training sessions for Canterbury, the NZ rugby clothing brand. Agency: Electric. AD Kim Gerard.

Dodge: Dodge are launching their new Caliber in the UK with this reckless piece of driving. Shot not in Texas but at an airfield in Hemel. Agency: Claydon Heeley, AD Nick Thompson.

House image: this is Howard's personal work and follows a theme inspired by Edward Hopper, part of a series featuring "ethereal light and a slightly voyeuristic approach".

Lon photography/photographers: ANDY TOMMO

Advertising, music and fashion photographer Tommo, has recently been shooting for Universal and their new French music protegee in Paris, through Spicy Box.

He has also finished his brand new A3 folio which shows a strong consolidation and a rewarding return to his photographic roots. "Style wise I'm back where I was, using light, props, clothes or whatever to show off someone or something in an interesting and unusual way," he says.

Tommo's corporate client list includes Barclaycard, British Airways, Boots, Fosters, Motorola, Muller Light, 3M, and Sony.

Call +44 (0)207 681 9460 to arrange to view the new folio, or visit his new website.(www.tommophoto.com)

Lon photography/photographers: DAVID ELLIS

London-based David Ellis is enjoying a successful start to the year. He has received widespread coverage throughout the UK and Europe with several campaigns featuring high-profile celebrities including Jose Mourinho for Samsung via advertising agency VCCP.

Other recent projects include two below-the-line advertising shoots for Vodafone through Enterprise IG. David also works regularly for the British music magazine NME, the latest shoot being a cover story featuring Mike Skinner of The Streets.

Between his editorial assignments, David works regularly within the record industry. Recent projects include the new album cover for The Research for EMI with art direction by Red Design.

Lon photography/photographers: DEAN BELCHER PHOTOGRAPHY

2006 is going very well for Dean, with continuing editorial commissions from The Sunday Times, Grazia and FT, as well as commercial work via Pauffley (Islington Council), Stocks Austin Sice (Sainsburys), and following on from last year's success, Yell's annual report, shot here in the UK and various US locations.

In between commissions, Dean keeps busy working on personal projects, examples of which can be seen here.

He has been involved with dance label Global Underground for 8 years, and many of his iconic shots of DJs and glitterati in some of the world’s smartest clubs are featured in their 10 year celebration box set.

Dean is newly represented by Jo Talbot and Sue Young.

Lon photography/photographers: SPENCER ROWELL

Spencer Rowell is now represented by Noelle Pickford in London and the new portfolio, designed by Boyd Necker at 'Hush' is available from Noelle on +44(0)20 7584 0908.

His new reel is available from Giles at Production International +44 (0)20 7631 2400.

Lon photography/photographers: ALUN CROCKFORD

Alun says that spending the first few months of this year working on a new book was certainly worthwhile, as he has since had new commissions from M&C Saatchi, CHI, RSCG and MCBD.

Alun has put together a pdf version, which can be sent on request.

Lon photography/photo postproduction: TAYLOR JAMES

Photographic retouchers Taylor James have recently worked with Ireland-based photographer Kevin Griffin, who is no stranger to large-scale productions. He crossed continents to achieve this epic shot for Coors beer.

They say: "With any multi-part composition, it is vital that perspectives, heights, angles, lighting and focus are all consistent to maintain a realism and integrity to the image", adding that when shooting across dozens of locations around the world, from the Rockies of Canada to the Swiss Alpes, the challenge becomes even more demanding and the key to success is in the planning.

To view a detailed step-by-step case study of this image visit the Taylor James website.

Lon photography/rental studios photo: BIG SKY MEDIA

Big Sky is "central London’s largest and most accessible full-service photography and media production complex". It is a purpose-built facility specifically designed for the photographic and image-making industry.

The 37,000 square foot complex has five versatile, fully equipped self-contained studios, each staffed by trained assistants, offering full support throughout the image-making process.

They offer an end-to-end service that includes set building, lighting, catering, digital capture and post-production.

The company's philosophy is to "combine creative freedom and the best shooting experience with a highly efficient and managed production formula".

Lon photography/rental studios photo: METRO IMAGING LTD

Using the different elements of the group, Metro Imaging is able to offer a package for all kinds of shoot - studio or location, digital or conventional.

They have six studios in London, providing multiple shoot options. They can provide a single package - with lighting from partner company, Direct, and a custom-designed digital shoot solution via the Horsemen.

With a single account handler and one invoice, they aim to simplify the process, reduced costs, improve the workflow and save time for their clients.

If a client requires it, they also work on a ‘page rate’ for each finished shot. This can include retouching, colour conversion and delivery as a press-ready file. Each shoot comes free with Metro Online, a workflow tool to help edit, share and deliver images online.

Further information from Phil Burroughes.

Lon production/photo production: TOMO LONDON PRODUCTION

Tomo London Production is currently working on advertising campaigns for Toyota Aventis and Daks clothing and has been working with M&C Saatchi, St Lukes, Saatchi & Saatchi and JWT for the last 9 years.

Specialising in still photography, Tomo London has the creative input and extensive production experience to tackle fashion and advertising shoots.

Recent Productions have been for Ask.com, VW Golf, Orange mobile, Nintendo, American Express, HSBC and Vodafone.

Lon production/photo production: LEONORA

Leonora works with international clients in both the UK and Europe, and a full showcase of recent productions is available at the website.

Leonora offers a personal, comprehensive service of research, location scouting and shoot production to photographers and ad agencies from around the world.

A specialist in the locations of the British Isles, Leonora is continually adding images to a large digital database of UK locations.

Shown here is a small sample of the diversity of landscapes and interiors available.

Lon service/props/ furnishing: CHINA & COMPANY

China & Company has a reputation for being one of London's top props hire companies for anything to do with food & drink.

In its 5000 square foot mews studio space, it has every kind of China, glass, background or tabletop including kitchenware, cutlery, cloths and napkins, chopping boards, Indian, Italian, Spanish and English plate designs with a huge selection of white tabletop and cooking china.

They say that they supply every magazine in London, as well as studios, commercials and design companies.

Examples can be seen at their website where you will also find contact details and their address is Shepherds Bush, West London.

Lon photography/equipment rent photo: HASSELBLAD

Hasselblad is synonymous in the photographic industry with quality. Hasselblad (UK) Limited has built its business around the distribution of high-quality products: the Hasselblad V and H System cameras for both film and digital use; Hasselblad digital backs and scanners; and Profoto studio and location lighting equipment.

They also offer a range of services, and operate the only authorised Hasselblad service centre in the UK. A hire facility is also available through their rental division, which is based in central London and can be contacted through The Pro Centre website.

For further information, or a demonstration of the new 39Mpix Hasselblad CFH-39 digital back, H2D-39 integrated digital camera, 503CWD digital camera or Profoto’s action-freezing Pro-7 system, D4 packs or Pro-B2 battery packs, visit the UK company website.

Lon talent/model agencies: UNION MODEL MANAGEMENT LTD

Union Models began in March 2005, initially with six models. Now, Rachel du Preez and Laura Manktelow have built a truly independent agency looking after over 70 faces.

They provide bespoke personal management for both models and clients, including the following two projects:

• Beth Edwards:  John Richmond campaign with Perry Curties, Big Magazine with Warren du Preez and Eugene Souleiman, Hamish Morrow sports deluxe collection.
  
• Suzanne Diaz:  Dazed and Japanese Vogue with Corinne Day, Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel, British Vogue with Patrick Demarchelier.

Lon event/photo events: THE AOP

Have you taken a great photograph? If so, you should enter the AOP OPEN...  

Whether a professional or a happy snapper, it doesn’t matter. There are no restrictions on what to shoot or how you shoot it. Simply enter your favourite photographs.

Winning work could end up in the OPEN exhibition alongside images from some of the worlds top photographic talent.  There are also prizes to be won, including Adobe Creative Suite 2 and a Nikon digital SLR camera.

If you want your talent to be recognised, you have until Saturday, 1st July to enter the competition. Full information and entry form at the website. www.aop-open.com

Lon event/photo events: SUN (SHOT UP NORTH)

Lon hotel/hotels: PARKES HOTEL

Parkes Hotel is a privately owned boutique hotel in a tranquil tree lined cul-de-sac 100 meters from Harrods in exclusive Knightsbridge, surrounded by London's finest shops and restaurants.

It is a luxury townhouse hotel, with most of the services associated with a five star hotel and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. All rooms are spacious, and the service is good.

Here’s what other publications have said:

'Prepare to be astonished - a boutique hotel with a difference', Travel Magazine

'Parkes compares favourably to some of the finest hotels in the world', Business Weekly

Lon hotel/hotels: BLAKES HOTEL

Created by Anouska Hempel, the London hotelier and designer, Blakes Hotel offers her style, elegance and service.

Blakes is now established and is considered to be "the model for the fashionable small hotel in London and cities around the world".

Respected for protecting the privacy of it's clients against the paparazzi, it is the London base for film stars, musicians and top desgners.

Blakes Restaurant has a reputation for originality, a superb menu, a carefully chosen wine list and romantic atmosphere.