By KATHY DeSALVO
American Pictures, a Portsmouth, N.H.-based production company, has added Bob Pollak as executive producer/company partner. Pollak becomes the first executive producer for the firm.
For the last three years, veteran producer Pollak has freelance produced all the jobs of American Pictures director/partner Steve Sanger, while he also regularly freelance-produced for such companies as A Band Apart Commercials, bicoastal and Minneapolis, and New York-based R/Greenberg & Associates.
"I am thrilled to have someone of Bob’s caliber as a partner and my executive producer," said Sanger, who specializes in the real people genre. "He has worked at the highest levels in this business and has a wonderful rapport with the agencies. They absolutely love his experience and confidence and the way he manages their jobs."
In his new role, Pollak has established a sales rep network for American Pictures consisting of New York-based Doug Wedeck and Heidi Gottlieb of Single Bid on the East Coast and Chicago-based Lauren McNamara in the Midwest. The signing of a West Coast rep is expected shortly.
"The response from the repping community has been gratifying," said Pollak. "It confirms our feeling that not only is the real people genre hot right now, but that Steve’s work is a welcome addition to the mix. Unlike most directors, Steve does his own casting and has a wonderful eye for people who are not only authentic but truly charming and persuasive."
Sanger’s recent credits include campaigns for The Scotts Company and Miracle-Gro, both out of Partners Shevack Wolf, New York, and Indiana Lottery and Powerball via Montgomery Zuckerman Davis, Indianapolis. Sanger is now in production on more Scotts spots.
Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begertโs first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, โWe are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.โ
โMy creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,โ said Begert. โBiscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and Iโm excited to join their roster.โ
โJackโs work blew me away the moment I first saw it,โ said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. โHe is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. Weโre looking forward to making great work together.โ
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