Production company SKUNK has added filmmaker John Hillcoat as a partner and rostered director for worldwide representation (except Australia and New Zealand) spanning commercials, branded content, music videos, TV and movies. Hillcoat’s work over the years has earned honors from the Cannes Lions, AICP Awards, ANDY, ADC Awards, Clios and The One Show. Prior to joining SKUNK, Hillcoat was repped in the U.S. by Serial Pictures.
Hillcoat’s commercialmaking career began at SKUNK with Levi’s “Go Forth – Ready to Work” campaign, a collaboration with renowned cinematographer Harris Savides and executive produced by Shelly Townsend and Matt Factor, SKUNK’s founder. Other early collaborations between Hillcoat and SKUNK include spots for Coca-Cola and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Hillcoat’s body of branded work consists of the acclaimed film “Corazon,” created in partnership with Montefiore Health Systems and starring Demian Bichir and Ana de Armas. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, “Corazon” won a Grand Prix at Cannes Lions and a Grand Clio for Branded Content. Highlighting LVADs, or “medical hearts,” the film has saved over 35,000 lives. Hillcoat is known for his ability to bring a captivating sense of intimacy to his films, as seen in his celebrated commercials such as Coca-Cola’s “It’s Beautiful” and Expedia’s “Train,” both of which celebrate the unity of humankind while also reveling in our unique differences. His additional collaborations in the ad arena include brands like Apple, Samsung, Volkswagen, Guinness, and Sofitel, among many others.
As a narrative filmmaker, Hillcoat directed the feature adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” which premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival. His other feature films include “Triple 9,” “Proposition,” and “Lawless,” which premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. For television, he directed the “Crocodile” episode of the Netflix series “Black Mirror,” which won an Excellence Award for Short Film at the Seoul International Drama Awards, four episodes of “Special Ops: Lioness” for Paramount+, and the multi-Emmy-nominated Showtime miniseries “George & Tammy,” starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon. Hillcoat’s deep love for music has also translated into numerous collaborations on music videos for artists like Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Siouxsie and the Banshees, to name a few.
“I am thrilled to join SKUNK not only as a director but as a creative partner,” remarked Hillcoat. “I want to help build something new that can grow to cross-pollinate and explore multi-platform work that cultivates and celebrates quality over quantity. I’m excited to have a company around me that’s not only home to my own work but a place where I can develop and support up-and-coming directors.”
SKUNK founder and executive producer Factor added, “I’ve always had a lot of love for John, creatively and as a person, and I’m excited that we’re working together. I have an appetite to go into longer-form material, expand beyond commercials, and look forward to working with John to evolve our capabilities to address what’s to come in branded media.”
Director John Larigakis Joins Strike Anywhere For His 1st U.S. Spot Representation
Strike Anywhere has added filmmaker John Larigakis to its talent roster, marking his first U.S. commercial representation. He continues to be repped in Canada by production house BOLDLY.
Larigakis first established himself on the agency side of the business where he spent 15 years, including serving as a sr. art director at DDB Canada and then a creative director at 123w before making a seamless transition to directing commercials..
Conceptual and highly art-directed, Larigakis’ style focuses on comedic surrealism grounded in reality. By counterbalancing the outlandish and colorful setting with deadpan performances, the key to his commercials is the metaphorical twist on the core concept, ultimately yielding a funny film. His stylistic vision is often brought to life through custom props, 3D animation, physical comedy, and practical effects to craft imaginative environments and memorable characters.
As a director, Larigakis recently won a Berlin Commercial Award for his work with Extra Gum. He’s also helmed films for brands like Starbucks, Nintendo Switch, Playland, and Sandman Hotels. Throughout his career in advertising, Larigakis has developed work that has won six Cannes Lions, 12 One Show Pencils, six D&AD Pencils, and six Clios.
“I’m a big fan of Strike Anywhere’s approach, their mix of strong advertising and film projects, and most importantly, the team,” remarked Larigakis. “They are genuinely passionate about helping directors grow and develop their careers, and I’m at a stage where I’m excited to continue crafting my skills in new areas.”
Ryan Simon, founding partner of Strike Anywhere, added, “At Strike Anywhere, comedy is key to company growth, and we’re elevating the game by joining forces... Read More