Director Johan T. Anderson has signed with More Media, the production boutique led by CEO/executive producer Stephen Buchanan and EP Blaize Stephens. While this his first official signing to a production company, Anderson is already well-known throughout the New York City advertising world for his creative work as a former agency art director and in-house director.
Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Anderson has always set filmmaking as his goal, and it’s a journey that has taken him coast to coast. After earning a BFA in film directing at Emerson College, Anderson interned at Partizan in LA, which first inspired him to get into commercials and branded content.
A move to NYC brought Anderson into the agency world, first as an art director at mcgarrybowen where he worked on Verizon Wireless. From there, he transitioned to Brooklyn agency Big Spaceship, where he launched the in-house content production department. For several years Anderson conceptualized and directed campaigns for various clients including Samsung Mobile, Starbucks, Google, Hasbro, Converse, YouTube, Dannon and more, before departing in 2018 to work as a freelance director.
Known for his keen aesthetic, understanding of character, and fresh production design, Anderson has turned out films that have screened around the world, including his short titled Foreign which was shown at the Cannes Film Festival.
Anderson’s agency experience has provided him with invaluable understanding of how to collaborate with the client as a brand film director. “My background has given me the insider’s view of how passionate the creative, strategy, production and account teams really are,” said Anderson. “As a director, I’m there to bring to life something the teams could have been working on for months or even years. It’s extremely important to respect that and keep that in mind when making a project.”
Anderson’s work has earned a number of accolades, including Webbys, Drums, Shortys, and Hatch Awards.
To date, Anderson’s favorite project is a piece he directed for the International Rescue Committee, a cause he cares deeply about. “I feel so grateful to be able to remind the audience through film, that some of the most influential people in history were refugees,” said Anderson. “I loved the simplicity and beauty of the cinematography and it was such a pleasure directing all of the different actors.”
“More Media has long had my attention as a company,” noted Anderson. “Stephen and Blaize have always collaborated with high caliber directors, and I am honored to join the ranks alongside them. We are teaming up to really push to create projects that are most true to my voice and style. I’m confident excellent work is bound to come from that.”
“Dune: Part Two” and “House of the Dragon” Win 2 HPA Awards Apiece
Dune: Part Two and House of the Dragon each scored two HPA Awards during a gala ceremony at the Television Academy’s Wolf Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday night (11/7). The HPA Awards honor trailblazing talent in the postproduction industry, celebrating standout achievements in color grading, sound, editing, restoration, and visual effects across theatrical features, commercials, and episodics.
Dune: Part Two topped the Outstanding Color Grading--Live Action Theatrical Feature and the Outstanding Sound--Theatrical Feature categories.
House of the Dragon’s two wins were for “The Red Dragon and the Gold” episode which scored for Outstanding Visual Effects--Live Action Episode or Series Season, and Outstanding Editing--Episode or Non-Theatrical Feature (Over 30 Minutes). In the latter HPA Creative Category, House of the Dragon tied with the “Part Six: Far,l Far Away” episode of Ahsoka.
The HPA’s Judges Award for Creativity and Innovation honored Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour. This recognition celebrates the profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment that defined The Eras Tour, underscoring its exceptional impact on audiences and the industry. The jury issued a statement outlining their choice: “Celebrated as the cultural phenomenon of 2023, Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour set new records in box office sales, tour revenues, and attendance. The tour showcased exceptional artistry and innovation, making a profound impact on both live and filmed entertainment.”
This year, FotoKem was awarded the Charles S. Swartz Award for its role in supporting filmmakers, studios, cinematographers, and artists across diverse film and media landscapes. Also celebrated... Read More