Y2K is fast approaching and SHOOT-in dead-line for the new age-decided to give executive producers the chance to weigh in with the "last word" on what the past has been and what the future still holds for spot production. In other words, we conducted a survey on the issues production companies face as we approach the new century.
We asked participants to discuss whatever was on their minds, and to define the issues that they thought were most critical to the production community. Meanwhile, SHOOT staffers came up with our own list of important topics, just to get the ball rolling. These are:
The Squeeze: During this most recent slowdown in the spot business, we are seeing mid-range companies squeezed out of the action. Low-budget creative is now often being bid by blue chip directors at big houses, or by the young hotties at the latest-flavor boutiques. In other words, it appears that you either have to be really big or really small to survive these days.
The Freebie: Will the phenomenon of producing agency- and/or advertiser-initiated spec spots continue or fade away?
The Digi-Spot: Will production companies start shooting spots in hi-res digital, as some filmmakers are now doing with low-budget feature films? And how will HDTV affect the way commercials are produced in the future?
The Spread: In order to prosper in the new age, will production companies need to spread their wings and diversify into other areas? Will they offer creative services, feature film services, or more dramatically, will they expand into the interactive media marketplace?
Here is what our respondents had to say:
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 Begert’s 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, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit 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 I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He 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. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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