Great Guns has added Italian director Federico Mazzarisi to its roster for commercials, branded content and music videos in the U.S. and U.K. This marks his introduction to the American ad market while in the U.K. he had been a collaborator with London-based Dirty Films for a year.
Between London and Milan, Mazzarisi has already worked with brands including Golden Goose, Vogue, Nike, Stella McCartney X Breast Cancer Awareness, and Diesel Watches. Born and raised in the rural south of Italy, Mazzarisi honed his filmmaking talents at IED (the European Institute of Design) in Milan, before moving to London to study at NFTS (National Film and Television School). Through his brand of visual storytelling, Mazzarisi has steadily developed a rich portfolio of commercials, branded content, and music videos.
Most recently, he turned his talents to a new Renault Clio “Meet the Moment” campaign in collaboration with Publicis Italia. Brought to life in mesmerizing neon hues, the film tells the captivating story of a man who embarks upon an exhilarating journey towards his destiny after meeting a mysterious fortune teller.
For the campaign, Mazzarisi was tasked with striking the perfect balance between bringing futuristic scenarios to life while maintaining the warmth and humanity central to the brand’s spirit. For the characterization of the fortune teller, he was keen to tread fresh ground and drew on inspiration from his time in Asia to create a dazzling neon mystic, framed by a constantly moving camera that gives the film a sportier, dynamic feel. As casting was crucial to convincingly convey the spontaneous meeting of the couple in such a short space of time, the team cast a wide net sourcing talent from France, Belgium, and Italy for the two-day shoot in Barcelona.
The Renault work came out of production house Ascent/Groenlandia; however Mazzarisi remains a freelancer in the Italian market.
Mazzarisi met Great Guns’ founder/CEO Laura Gregory and global EP/head of integrated Sheridan Thomas during his first days in London at the NFTS. The director kept in touch with them over the last few years, getting what he described as “feedback film after film.” Mazzarisi said he was drawn to the caliber of the Great Guns’ work and roster, eager to take the next step in his career there. “For me, it’s a very natural fit to be part of their team.”
