Alkemy X has added comedy director Josh Forbes to its roster for U.S. commercial representation. Forbes’ body of work spans spots, music videos, TV and feature filmmaking. He has most notably helmed videos for Sara Bareillis’ hit track “Love Song” and the MTV VMA-nominated “Shut Up And Dance” by Walk the Moon. His work often explores a fascination with extreme characters in everyday situations and everyday characters in extreme situations, as seen in his comedic commercial work for clients including Comedy Central, Carl’s Jr., McDonald’s and Uber Eats.
Between working the door at an improv club and advertising copywriting for clients like Wonka Candy, Vons, and Honda, Forbes found his niche in music video concepting and directing. Once he landed the music video for “Love Song,” he was able to pursue directing full-time, working on more than 100 music videos and soon directing his first feature, Contracted: Phase II, which screened at the Sitges Film Festival in Spain. He also co-created the Syfy.com series Underlings, a workplace comedy show about super villains.
Prior to joining Alkemy X, Forbes was handled for commercials by Pet Gorilla. He is repped by Reprobates for music videos.
Justin Wineburgh, president and CEO of Alkemy X, said, “I was struck by Josh’s impeccable comedic timing, but what truly sets him apart is his creative dexterity as a director. Bringing such a diversified skill set that spans writing and an affinity for working with visual effects is a great fit for Alkemy X.”
Added Forbes, “Alkemy X has put together a really great roster of talent and I’m excited to spread my wings beyond the L.A. market and collaborate with their teams in NYC and Philly. Visual effects has always been a fun part of the production process for me and I’m thrilled to join a company that has such a stellar VFX department in-house.”
Forbes’ experience raising two sons with a rare condition called ocular albinism has served as a source of inspiration for his filmmaking, sparking a collaboration with legally blind filmmaker James Rath to produce that director’s first commercial for Tommy Hilfiger–which went on to win a Cannes Lion. Forbes and Rath are currently developing a travel series about disabilities. Additionally, Forbes is currently in production on his second feature, SMASH, a documentary about the watermelon-smashing comedian Gallagher.
