Production company Ruffian has signed French director David Bertram for representation in the U.S. spanning commercials, branded content and music videos. This marks Bertram’s introduction to the American market.
After attending art school, Bertram entered the world of advertising, working for more than a decade as a creative in Paris before becoming a director. His most recent directorial music video credit for the electronic duo Bicep, “Saku,” is an aural and visual art tour de force. Exploring a sort of “psychological playground,” he propels the narrative of the song forward with emotionally charged imagery. Bertram filmed his video for Wassailer’s debut track, “Son,” while in COVID-19 lockdown in the Netherlands, produced in only a matter of weeks. He suffuses the cinematic experience with a “Lord of the Flies” atmosphere, using his friend’s children as the actors, creating an eerie and spellbinding visual. Synthpop band DATA’s “Don’t Sing” video inhabits an outwardly pleasant suburban community with some twisted, violent, sexy incidents that makes viewers squirm and grasp for answers.
“David is a storyteller in the truest sense,” said Ruffian founder/executive producer Robert Herman. “Whether it’s straight forward performance or highly technical, the narratives or characters drive the story forward, allowing it to shine through his visuals, making his work in advertising and music videos that much more striking and effective. His films are filled from beginning to end with meaningful moments you don’t want to miss. We’re very motivated and happy to be bringing his distinctive style to the U.S.”
Bertram said, “I enjoy creating alternate realities which are still rooted in the here and now, enough to make you question your own reality and understanding. To me, filmmaking is a way to explore the human condition, from our dreams to our failures, and everything in between. I connected with Rob and the team at Ruffian because they also share this passion for exploring unknowns.”
Bertram is represented by Diplomats in France.
Sinners and Saints Adds Apple Pie To Its Branded Menu
Bicoastal Sinners and Saints--the multidisciplinary studio overseen by managing director/executive producer Heather Heller, and partners/EPs Yann Henric and Thomas Carroll--has added Apple Pie Tabletop to its roster for branded content. Known for its food and beverage content creation, Apple Pie comprises the husband-and-wife team of director/DP Gene Dubin and director/art director Alisa Volodina. In addition to representation, the move expands Apple Pieโs production capabilities through the combination of its centrally located full-service studio in New York and a newly established mobile studio in Los Angeles. Apple Pie recently teamed with Sinners and Saints on a Wienerschnitzel project created by Innocean.
โWe believe that our dual studio strategy positions us uniquely in the competitive landscape of food and beverage storytelling,โ said Heller. โBy blending the artistry of the New York studio with the flexibility of our Los Angeles location, we can tailor our productions to meet the unique demands of each project, regardless of geography.โ
โWorking with Sinners and Saints in the demanding field of tabletop was an absolute pleasure,โ shared Apple Pie Tabletop in a joint statement. โWarm welcome, unwavering support and dedication--everything a director can ask for. The entire experience was both enjoyable and rewarding. We will not miss an opportunity to collaborate with them again.โ
โThe first thing you notice is that Apple Pie has beautiful work,โ Heller observed. โHaving worked with them, I can say that Gene and Alisa are extremely meticulous and detail-oriented; their combination of talent and agility appeals to agencies and clients.โ Also appealing to Heller is Apple Pie Tabletopโs brisk international... Read More