EXPANSION & SIGNING

As part of the new arrangement, much-heralded director Suthon Petchsuwan will effectively be represented by TWC in the States and in the U.K.  Petchsuwan was formerly represented in Europe by Stink.  TWC executive producer Jeff Snyder will act as the point person in the U.S. while his counterpart at Wanted, executive producer Michelle Stapleton, will personally handle the TWC roster from the UK.   

Under terms of the association, TWC will open TWC@Wanted in London with an inaugural roster of directors which include Suthon Petchsuwan, Eric Saarinen, Trevor Cornish, David Jellison, Justin Klarenbeck and Bo Platt.  Klarenbeck had been represented in Europe by Great Guns.  For its part, TWC will represent directors Selby and Beverley Fortnum in the US market.  Selby is best known for outstanding, iconic car campaigns for BMW, Audi and Ford.  Fortnum has been in demand for her prowess directing fashion and people.   

The two companies were introduced to each other via TWC’s West Coast sales rep, Kelley Class, who has had a long term working relationship with Stapleton.  According to Thomas, TWC was looking to gain a foothold in London to maximize the exposure of their directorial roster in the U.K. and Europe.  “This is something that Jeff (Snyder), Steve Ross (TWC’s other Executive Producer, who has extensive experience working with European directors) and myself have been looking at doing for a long time.  We all agreed it was a priority for our company, but finding the right fit was fundamental to it going forward.  Like TWC, Wanted has branded itself by knowing how to develop and manage the careers of its directors, and making the focus about doing great work,” said Thomas. 
   
Snyder is also thrilled about the relationship.  “We have hit it off so well with Michelle and her directors.  We couldn’t be happier with how this is working out.  Everyone is excited about the new venture and the vision for TWC@Wanted.”  Ross added, “We’re very intrigued about representing two of their people, namely Selby and Beverley Fortnum, here in the States, while extending TWC’s reach in Europe.”   

For her part, Stapleton, who has work in various capacities for such directors as Tony Kaye, Alex Proyas and David FIncher, was very impressed with TWC’s commitment to  their directors. “From the first time we spoke it was evident that Mark and Jeff share the same passion and commitment to the directors we represented,” she said.  “They have the same values and a strong work ethic.  I’m extremely excited that TWC and Wanted have this chance to work together and I am very confident that we will have a long, successful and happy partnership.  Between both companies we a tremendous combined directorial roster.   
 
The announcement of TWC@Wanted comes on the heels of TWC signing the much sought after Eric Saarinen late last year.  Saarinen has already completed two ambitious spot campaigns, one for John Deere and the other for the United States Air Force (both out of GSD&M in Austin, Texas).   The company has been active with high profile spots for the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl.  Director Hamish Rothwell helmed a spot for Oreo cookies starring NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning (out of Foote Cone/N.Y.) while Suthon Petchsuwan helmed two spots for the Super Bowl (for CareerBuilder.com out of Wieden & Kennedy - Portland).   
 
TWC Films is located at 1655 Euclid St., Santa Monica, Ca 90404.  TWC is represented by Mary Ford & Associates on the East Coast, Doug Stieber & Nichole Tinaglia in the Midwest, Dawn Ratcliffe in Detroit and Kelley Class on the West Coast.  For more information contact Mark Thomas at 310-392-7333 or visit www.twcfilms.com    Wanted Films Limited and TWC@Wanted are located at 8-12 Broadwick Street, London W1F 8HW.  For more information contact Michelle Stapleton at +44 207 287 6644 or go to www.wantedfilms.tv