Director Konrad Begg has joined Slash Dynamic, an L.A.-based shop headed by EP Tanya Cohen, for exclusive commercial and branded content representation in the U.S.
A car and motorcycle enthusiast with a passion for conceptual filmmaking, Begg has an affinity for working with high-end automotive clients though his filmmaking range goes far beyond that. A Scotland native, Begg recently wrapped his first production with Slash Dynamic–a four-day Nissan shoot in Phoenix, Arizona, for Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based agency Zimmerman. The complex assignment involved choreographing 12 cars and showcasing their semi-autonomous driving function at random speeds and positions into order and uniformity.
Begg’s work–which spans features, TV and commercials–has been recognized by BAFTA, Emmy, and The Royal Television Society. His feature directorial debut, Songs For Amy, achieved critical success upon a worldwide cinematic release, and went on to receive recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking at the Newport Beach Film Festival, and was an official selection for the Galway Film Festival, as well as assorted other fests. In television, Begg has directed many episodes of the BBC series Top Gear. He has worked with brands such as Range Rover, Ford, Shell, Toyota, and Ferrari, creating large-scale dramatic stunt sequences and naturalistic films featuring vast landscapes that create a sense of adventure and wonder. Begg has filmed a helicopter flying and dropping a VW Beetle from 5,000 feet in the Salt Flats of South Africa, choreographed high speed drifts and stunts with professional rally driver Ken Block inside the Ford Factory, launched Bear Grylls out of a six-story building onto an airbag, and bungeed a Lotus F1 racing car from the top of a crane, with Top Gear’s Stig at the wheel.
Cohen assessed, ““Konrad is one of the most technically skilled directors I’ve ever worked with, and highly involved in every minute detail of the project he’s bringing to life. It’s rare that you find a director that is equally confident with mind-blowing action sequences and auto-centric content, as he is with performance-driven storytelling. He’s a cinephile, who is well versed in the latest toys and technology; the perfect blend of intimate, real moments meets amped spectacle.”
Earlier in his career, Begg was repped by Streetlight in London, which also handled him in the U.S. quite some time ago. He was drawn to Slash Dynamic, explaining, “In the constantly changing environment within the industry, it’s essential to explore new ways to tell our stories and wow ever more discerning audiences. Slash Dynamic, I feel, shares this philosophy. A young vibrant company steered by a brilliant EP–Tanya’s excitement for what we do as filmmakers and storytellers remains fresh and infectious. This coupled with her vast experience are qualities that run through her whole company from top to bottom.”
Begg joins a Slash Dynamic directorial roster which includes Patrick Sherman, Laurence Dunmore, Syyn Labs, Travis Hanour, Kiran, Gregor Nicholas, Celine Tricart, Vaylian and Rojomotorz. The company is repped by Brent Novick on the West Coast, Miller + Miller in the Midwest, Sharon Lew and Ann McKallagat on the East Coast, and The Gossip Company in Texas.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More