Live-action production company Cadence has added German-born director Paul Herrmann for his first representation in the U.S. market spanning commercials and branded content. The skater-turned-director brings a streetwear sensibility and play with tempo, graphics, and stills to his work, which has included collaborations with Tag Heuer, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Beats by Dre, Mercedes-Benz and L’Occitane.
Herrmann started making films by borrowing a friend’s camera to capture his friend’s skateboarding. Then, when he was only 19 years old, a chance circumstance led him to make a short film about Paris fashion week, launching his commercial filmmaking career. In the years since, he’s also continued to film skaters in their urban playground, releasing short films like 2022’s Only to Live In Your Memories.
The filmmaker’s distinct eye for expansive nature shots, urbancore aesthetics, and ability to capture inspired images of seemingly ordinary subjects makes him an ideal fit for Cadence’s highly curated roster.
Lorenzo Ragionieri, co-founder and executive producer at Cadence, said of Herrmann, “His work is extremely honest, contemporary, and immediate. It’s filled with the freedom and exhilaration of youth, and we’re excited to bring that spirit to the U.S. market.”
During the pandemic, Herrmann released the lo-fi skate film I Thought I was You, a three-month road trip-turned-short film across America, which ultimately led to the creation of Time Will Tell, a zine about his travels that snagged a feature in Vogue.
Herrmann’s recent campaign for Versace, “Cyber Fantasy,” is a ‘90s vaporwave blended ad which promoted the luxury brand’s fall-winter 2022 collection.
