Big moves this week with new signings at Smuggler and Bob Industries in the US and Academy and Exposure in the UK...
Director Chris Smith has signed to bicoastal US production company Smuggler for commercials representation. Smith has gained acclaim for his documentary features, including American Movie and Home Movie and The Yes Men. In the commercial realm he has directed spots for VW, Toyota, Snapple and SBC amongst others. Smith will be repped by Stink in Europe.
"He's a class filmmaker," Brian Carmody, exec producer at Smuggler told shots.net. "He's absolutely doing what he should be, and he'll really fit in at Smuggler."
Also in the US, director Alan White has moved to the roster at Bob Industries for commercials direction. White joins the production company from @radical.media, where he was one of the founding directors.
Over in the UK, Exposure Films in London has signed directing team Rojo. Rojo, which comprises Frenchman Francois Roland and Amercian Joe Baar, were briefly repped by Harry Nash in the UK, but after the company's closure they concentrated on building their reel in France. The team are now keen to build their profile in the UK market.
"I'm delighted that Rojo has decided to come to Exposure," said Natasha Wellesley, managing director of Exposure Films. "Their reel has been getting a fantastic reception so far, especially their short films, which belie a quirky view of the world."
Academy in London has signed director Scott Lyon for commercials representation. Formerly with Oil Factory, Lyon began directing as part of a duo with Barnaby Roper. Lyon's work as a solo director includes promos for artists including Franz Ferdinand, Cooper Temple Clause, Soulwax and Melissa Auf der Maur.
Editor Dustin Robertson has joined LA-based Brass Knuckles Editorial for commercial representation. He maintains Avid Diva, his own LA-based shop, for music videos.
LA-based editorial house Spot Welders has announced plans to open in New York. The shop has hired Dick Gordon, formerly of Mad River Post, to head up the office and serve as lead editor. The new office will be up and running by February 1, 2005.
