commercial production, directors & dop's Apr 2021

Filmmaker, photographer, and waterman: Alex is a natural born storyteller. Having a keen eye for detail and an uncanny ability to capture the most genuine moments as they unfold - he has been trusted to tell the stories of people, places, and moments both large and small over the years. 

Recently, Alex has relocated to Southern California where he has built out a team to tackle larger productions - while still being nimble enough to blend into communities and groups to tell the most authentic stories possible. 

Fashion and lifestyle shoots have been keeping him busy this spring as brands are gearing up for the summer advertising season. Next up, Alex and company are heading down to Baja in Mexico for a commercial spearfishing, camping, and motorcycle shoot.

If authentic storytelling is what you're after, Alex is who you want behind the lens.

Backpack Films is a fixing and production services company based in India working exclusively with international clients for the last 15 years.

"We are one of the most trusted companies to work with for your documentary films, branded content, commercials and photo shoots across India. 

Some of our recent work includes commercials and branded content films for clients like Ikea, Google, Unilever, Rolex Awards, Cisco, Red Hat, Singapore Airlines, Air Asia, Etihad Airlines, Nikon, Amazon AWS, LinkedIn with production companies like VCCP, Across The Pond, Inevidence, Proudfoot Productions, Vice, Pulse Films, The Film Lab and others.

In 2020-21 the international filming process changed entirely. International film crews haven’t been able to travel to India, but we have risen to the challenge and delivered excellent quality footage to our international clients. We upgraded our kit with the latest in live-streaming and remote filming solutions so that the directors and clients can work on the film remotely."

The BOOM team specialise in CGI illustration and animation, including character design, CGI modelling, texturing, animation and retouching.

They have developed a thorough understanding of how to craft an image to communicate the right message and captivate the consumer. It’s no surprise that the team have been working together for almost ten years, producing exciting solutions for some of the largest global brands, including Apple, Coca-Cola, Gillette and Nike.

Their keen eye on innovation and trends has earned them a place among the top commercial digital artists in the world.

See more of BOOM CGI's work here.

Award-winning Carioca Studio is a well-known image concept house highly acclaimed for their work, specialising in advertising imagery.

Carioca starts with a big idea: and bring their complete vision and perfect execution from production and shooting to post-production.

Carioca offers integrated visual services, from production (locations, casting, hair & make-up artists, set construction, mockups) to photography, illustration and CGI. The company now has 23 people working in three different departments – Production, 3D and Post-Production.

Clients include Dalwhinnie, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Europcar, Mercedes-Benz, Sony Ericsson, VW and WWF.

Carioca Studio has won five Cannes Lions 2016, and has just been awarded 200 Best Digital Artists 2017/18 by Lürzers Archive.

See more of Carioca Studio's work here.

charlieuniformtango was founded in 1995 by Lola Lott, principal / CEO, and Jack Waldrip, senior editor. 

charlieuniformtango is a female / minority-owned and led, single-source creative studio in Dallas and Austin, Texas. The company produces, shoots, edits, scores, mixes, animates, designs, and provides VFX, and finishing for commercials, short films, documentaries, indie features, music videos, and digital content for top worldwide clients such as American Airlines, Abercrombie & Fitch, State Farm, Fiat, Geico, Jeep, Lexus, McDonald’s, Dr. Pepper, Chick Fil A, Susan G. Komen Foundation, JC Penney, Universal Orlando.

Tango awards include National Addys, AICE Awards, ANDY’S and a Cannes Lion, with work featured in everything from the CA Annual to the AICP National Show. Tango has produced close to 20 Superbowl spots for many different clients ranging from Geico to FIAT to H.E.B. Tango’s long-form work has been programmed at film festivals including SXSW and across both ponds to Melbourne and Leeds. 

See more on their website or contact Fran Montoya, Head of Sales/Business Development or call +1 214-922-9222.

David Fitt is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has been praised for its storytelling and electric vibes.

Dedicated to his passion to create haunting and vibrant images, he has also been working as a photographer for years. He is currently based in Paris.

Derin Thorpe is a New York City-based director and DoP. 

In these current times, his focus has been working on projects that help support environmental and social issues. Recent projects include NYNJ Baykeeper, an organization that advocates for fair environmental equality for our waterways, Faherty spring 2021 collection which focuses on restaurant entrepreneurs in NYC and how they’ve managed to navigate through a pandemic.

An on-going documentary film project Derin continues to reveal is The Point, a film set in Liberty State Park. This documentary revolves around a billionaire golf course owner who tries to take over a public bird sanctuary. 

To view more projects visit his website.

Falca is a Barcelona-based film & photo production company working across Spain and Europe. 

"We service and produce commercials, music videos, branded content and photographic campaigns, helping creative minds to achieve what they imagine come to life.

Latest projects: 

• Neymar Jr’s debut commercial as the new star of the brand which was brought to life in Paris in collaboration with La Fourmi and Adeus, directed by Adrien Lagier and Ousmane Ly. 
• Puma Eyewear campaign with Autobahn's Pedro and James in Barcelona. 
• Together with creative agency and production house Fluss, we produced Sergio Agüero's esport brand KRÜ launch film in Manchester. 
• Also included are two service productions; Intermarché which we filmed in Lisbon with Grand Bazar and a Garnier commercial which we produced in Barcelona for Tempesta. 

2021 has started for us in a positive fashion, and we have our fingers firmly crossed for more of the same throughout the year. As always, we’ll be hoping to meet many more new brands and creatives to collaborate with."

"As an Australian director / DP/ photographer, I'm passionate about creating beautiful and engaging visual stories. I'm known for my strong creative vision, for my understanding of the brands' identity, and for creating visuals to appeal to a female audience. 

With 18+ years of experience, my work spans a wide range of advertising campaigns, branded digital films, and features in over 100 food and lifestyle books. Recent work includes a motion + photography campaign with Saatchi & Saatchi London for Procter & Gamble, a billboard for Kellogg's, TVC plus various media for Heathcote Gin, Don Smallgoods' rebranding, and short food films feature on SBS Australia. My client list includes James Boag, Fisher & Paykel, Tourism Victoria, Darrell Lea, Federation Square and ALDI, to name a few.

My style is relaxed, natural, and unashamedly feminine. In love with the ever-changing nuances of daylight, which bring depth and character to various subjects, I live in awe of the magic that stems from utilising intuition in the creative process.

I believe in thorough preproduction and on set work closely with clients – I believe collaboration, a positive attitude, and a shared enthusiasm for evocative visuals is the most effective way to create beautiful, authentic stories worth sharing with the world.

NB: Shoots follow Covid safety protocols, and I regularly shoot ‘remotely’ - sharing images and rushes with clients in real time via Zoom."

La Quadra is a production company based in Valencia and Madrid.

"Our strategic shooting situation permits us to work all over Spain. 

We take all measures to be 100% Covid free. But due to the current situation, we also offer the option to produce and direct your projects in many Spanish locations through our streaming system; you will feel as if you were actually there. 360º cams at the set and direct comunication (visual and sound) with directors, producers or ADs, completes the traditional set up of streaming. 

Our experience of more than 14 years enables us to provide services in photo and film production at any stage of the process: conception, production and post-production. We offer creativity, directors, big variety of locations, local suppliers, logistics, casting and international crews.

We procure creative solutions for all your projects. We are experienced, efficient, fast and fair. 

Visit our website to see more."

Michael Coppola is a progressive filmmaker and digital creative, based in London.

His diverse sill set as a designer, cinematographer, director and editor allows him to move effortlessly between the areas of pre-production, principal photography and post-production.

Michael has a varied portfolio that spans branded content, music videos, commercial promos, fashion films, narrative shorts and documentaries. Previous clients include Pirelli, Bentley, Sony Music, Fiat, Barilla, Keko London, Spark 44 and The Specialist Works. He also has CGI expertise, and recently minted his first NFT on the invite-only platform Foundation. Two of his most recent fiction short films, 'Life in Now' and 'Save Me', have been officially selected at film festivals worldwide.

He is currently developing a feature documentary on the rise of digital art in the 21st century.

An award-winning freelance director / DP, Los Angeles-based Mike Miller is passionate about his craft.

“I love to make beautiful images to take the audience on a storytelling journey. I see the DP’s role as an extension of the director and a vital part of the process of bringing a script to life. It’s why I began shooting my own stuff”.

Mike’s commercials can best be described as mini-movies. From subtle humor to drama and action, with a talent for casting, Mike is a director/DP able to deliver a rare combination of beautiful images, visual storytelling and great performances.

He plans meticulously, does detailed storyboards, and workshops the actors during pre-production. “With the goal post clear to everyone, being totally buttoned-up gives you the freedom on the day to find the magic.”

Winning awards at a long list of the world’s major award shows is a constant in Mike's career, including a Gold Lion at The Cannes Film Festival, Silver World Medals at The New York Festivals, Gold at The Australian Cinematographers Society (NSW) and ‘Official Selection’ at The Sundance Film Festival.

He is available to work anywhere in the world you happen to be, or where you’d like to shoot.

Car and lifestyle photographer Oliver Paffrath began his career shooting fashion imagery. He has used this skill honed from fashion shoots to bring his unique style and lighting techniques to his car and automotive photography. Oliver also combines these techniques to create eye-catching and appealing motion and CGI content.

His extensive client list includes: Allianz, Adidas, ABN Amro, Audi, ATU, BMW, Chevrolet, Credit Suisse, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Mazda, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Škoda, Seat, Toyota and Volkswagen.

See more of Oliver Paffrath's work here.

Peter Sagnia is a London UK born cinematographer and filmmaker, now residing in Sint Maarten in the Caribbean.

His company serves the region offering industry standard commercials for corporations, working with clients from pre-production through to final deliverables. 

Clients include NBC, FOX, UNICEF, MACALLAN, Master Class, Pizza Hut and many more.

He has also worked on a couple of feature and short films and in his spare time is working on a mini-series.

REGGLISS PRODUCTION, based on the French Riviera, is an expert in full production services with 30 years of know how in commercial shooting. This is the oldest production agency of our selection! 

With a large location library constantly updated and expanded, Reggliss production will find the right place on the “French Cote d’Azur”, from Marseille to Nice, Monaco, Provence, Camargue, Alps and Corsica.

The current situation offers unlimited accessibility to all exceptional locations. Museums, restaurants, beaches, hotels, airports, are all the more accessible as they are empty of any public.

Reggliss production always focusses on its primary mission of advice to its clients, estimating and budgeting, scouting and managing locations and permits, handling on site-coordination, dealing  with equipment, studio rental and location car, casting and so on.    

Reggliss production offices are based in the heart of Marseille and in the famous motion pictures studios “LA VICTORINE” close to the airport of Nice.  

Flexible, energetic and efficient, Reggliss team is essential for the success of your shootings on the French Riviera.

For more than 10 years, Sarida Bossoni has been Switzerland's agent representing a selection of highly talented directors of photography, each renowned for their signature work in all types of film productions.

After several years as an agency producer in different international advertising networks, she is well-acquainted with the process of filmmaking and the requirements of all parties involved.

Needless to say, her drive as an agent is her passion for high-quality creative films. A premise that will always lead to above average, if not excellent results.

Sarida is also very excited to have welcomed three new additions to their roster, and looks forward to the agencies growth and future assignments.

Her clients include Adidas, Audi, BMW, Bulgari, Cadillac, Chanel, Chloé, Chopard, Christian Dior, Coca-Cola, D&G, Ford, Giorgio Armani, Ikea, IWC, Lamborghini, Lancia, Martini, Max Factor, Mercedes, Michelin, Red Bull, Salvatore Ferragamo, Samsung, SBB, Skoda, Sony, Swatch, Swisscom, Toyota, Under Armour and Yves Saint Laurent, among others.

Visit member's website.

Simon Stock is a London-based, award-winning advertising photographer and director whose work takes him all over the world, photographing some of the most iconic brands. He is also an established commercials director and started his career with a short film called ‘El Apprentice’ which was shot in Chile and was shown at the LA Short Film Festival. He has directed commercials for Bentley, Discovery Channel, Mercedes, Toyota, Volvo, Wild Aid, Norfolk Southern Railway, ITV,  the ‘Bleed for England’ spot for the Rugby World Cup and most recently Toby Carvery and Travelodge.

Simon has an array of awards including: AOP Awards Winner Best Advertising Commissioned Advertising 2015, Lürzers Archive 200 Best Advertising Photographers 2018/2019, D&AD, Art Directors Club of New York, IPA Awards Communication Arts, One Eyeland Award.

Commercial clients include Rolls-Royce, Alfa Romeo, Audi, American Airlines, BMW, BP, British Airways, Castrol, Deutsche Telekom, Disney, Dodge, Emirates Airlines, Fairy, Ford, HSBC, Hummer, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, London Transport, Lucozade, Lufthansa, Microsoft, Milka, Nestlé, O2, Plusnet, P&O Cruises, Porsche, RBS, Range Rover, Renault, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Vodafone.

See more of Simon Stock's work here.

"The Hounds Group is a full-service production company based in Austin, Texas that provides turnkey support for stills and motion productions locally and nationwide. We are also home to a boutique roster of sharp, skilled photographers and directors based in Los Angeles, Texas, and Atlanta.

With extensive experience producing large-scale motion, stills, and interactive projects, and a widespread global network, Hounds brings together photographers and directors, with advertising agencies, in-house creative departments, retailers, and record labels - to provide production support and create memorable work that is seen all over the globe.

Adapting quickly in the time of COVID, Hounds has been successfully producing safe and reliable shoots since July, with a thorough program of precautions and procedures in place, including continued safety certifications by officers and producers to ensure the health and well-being of our personnel and the projects at-hand. 

Past clients include: Adidas/Reebok, Anthropologie, Apple, Audi, Beam Suntory, Bose, Buick, Crate & Barrel, Hyundai, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Nationwide Insurance, Shell, Sprint, Square, Ram Trucks, Toyota, Urban Outfitters, Wendy’s, and more.

We’re delighted to present this selection of work produced by Hounds, right here in the Lone Star State - featuring campaigns for Audi, Bose, HAOMA, Lincoln, OGIO, Reebok and Urban Outfitters. See more work online, and for more info, reach out via email."

A pioneering entertainment company based in India and producing world-class content, Toonz Media Group is a 360-degree media powerhouse and one of world’s leading animation production studios. Toonz was established at a time when commercial studios for animation in India were unprecedented.

Together with its group companies Telegael, Imira and Tiltlabs, Toonz has today emerged as a formidable name in the kids and family entertainment segment, with studios and offices across the world and over 10,000 minutes of 2D and CGI content produced per year. Toonz caters to almost every aspect of the entertainment media industry, including animation, Vfx, AR/VR, gaming, live-action and content distribution.

Having worked with world’s leading entertainment studios, channels and networks, Toonz has to its credit several globally hit animation and live action series and feature films. Among the projects currently under production at Toonz are Canterville Ghost, Pierre the Pigeon Hawk and JG & the BC Kids.