Director Dane Del Deo has signed for commercial representation with Los Films, the commercial production division of the multidisciplinary creative studio Los York.
“Dane represents the next wave of the classic commercial director,” said Chris Abitbol, head of film at Los Films. “His contemporaries tend to focus on style over substance while Dane, on the other hand, brings classic filmmaking and versatile excellence to commercial advertising. He strives for emotive expression and full engagement with audiences. He’s got style, but he’s more than that. He’s so knowledgeable about the industry. He knows the work and understands what people are looking for.”
Del Deo said, “Seeing a head of films like Chris Abitbol come onboard Los Films fires me up. He’s someone who knows how to develop talent and put the work first. Saying I’m pumped would be an understatement,”
A natural-born surfer, Del Deo moved to Australia to ride the waves on the country’s celebrated Gold Coast while earning a degree in filmmaking at Bond University. Los York founder and chief creative catalyst Seth Epstein recognized in him an emerging new talent and hired Del Deo initially fresh out of college, mentoring him closely while Del Deo honed his commercial craft. During his first stint at Los York, Del Deo directed campaigns for Snapchat, Coca-Cola, Logitech, EA, Motorola, Acura and TikTok. The Venice Beach-based director then embarked on a solo journey, building relationships with acclaimed directors Fredrik Bond and Bryan Buckley. With these friendships came a powerful network of collaborators, creatives and clients. He was coaxed from life as a freelancer back to the fold following Abitbol’s hire and already he has wrapped a project for ESPN.
“You can sense the curiosity, discipline and determination that Dane approaches with each project,” said Epstein. “He strives for excellence and the exceptional. In a world of ‘good enough’ Dane is the antithesis, always pushing hard to create something that stands out. He believes good enough is not good, it can get better all the time.”
“When I was breaking into the industry,” said Del Deo. “Seth made a giant investment in my craft as a commercial director. Having spent some time away to explore the business on my own, it’s my honor to return home and prove that investment a high return.”
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