Gravy Films has added directorial duo Trent and Marlena Jaklitsch, a.k.a. Trent and Marlena, to its commercial roster for U.S. representation. Partners in work and life, Trent and Marlena live in Brooklyn, NY. Trent has been on the Gravy roster for five years as a solo director and now joins forces with Marlena as a directorial team. This marks Marlena’s first spotmaking representation.
With combined backgrounds in creative advertising and visual arts, Trent and Marlena infuse emotional realism, unexpected charm and a keen cinematic perspective into their projects. The duo shoots collaboratively marrying Marlena’s experience as a writer and creative at DDB, Arnold, and Saatchi & Saatchi on brands such as John Freida, Hershey, New York Lottery and Metro by T-Mobile with Trent’s deep understanding of visual storytelling as a graduate of NYC’s School of Visual Arts and winner of the Young Directors Award at Cannes in 2015. The duo connects with cast, crew and agency creatives alike to produce the best content they can from an agency, story and visual standpoint.
Brent Stoller, Gravy owner and EP, cited Trent and Marlena’s “unique perspective and a strong understanding of the filmmaking process–plus they’re just a pretty fun pair.”
Trent and Marlena join a Gravy directorial lineup which includes Big Red Button, Cameron Harris, Crobin Leo, Laura Murphy and Michael Sugrue.
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