Bicoastal Curious Pictures has added Mike Bennion to its directorial roster for representation in the U.S. For the last year Bennion was represented worldwide through bicoastal/international production company The End.
Bennions directorial projects run the gamut from commercials to promos and music videos. His decision to sign with Curious was based on a desire to generate more commercial work, particularly in the U.S. Just before signing, Bennion directed the live action on three :30s through Curious-Road Trip, Jazz Club, and Voyage for CDnow via New York-based agency Hampel/Stefanides-that broke Feb. 24 during the CBS telecast of the 41st Annual Grammy Awards.
Bennion actually began his career in graphics and animation, giving the director a broad palette of tools with which to work. He earned a bachelor of arts in graphic design from Kingston University, Surrey, England, followed by a masters degree from The Royal College of Arts, London. He began his career freelancing in graphics and animation.
In 94 he joined London-based Blink where he began transitioning from graphics designer to live action director. After a couple of years, he moved to Alex Myers and Associates, London, where he focused exclusively on directing.
His favorite work includes Upside Down for satellite-delivered radio station DMX via J. Walter Thompson, London; and an MTV art break titled We Like To Watch.
Michael imbues his work with his dark sense of humor and likes eccentric juxtaposition of icons which make a surreal canvas, assessed Curious executive producer David Starr.
Curious executive producer Richard Winkler added that Bennions work displays a visual wit, sometimes quirky. When asked to describe his own work, Bennion paused to think, and chuckled trouser-warming.
Bennion aspires to direct a feature, noting that he admires filmmakers such as the late Stanley Kubrick, directors whose films have their own personality. … Kubrick was an innovator, that is what I aspire to.
Bennion comes aboard a Curious directorial roster which includes Steve Oakes, Mo Willems, Tomato, Pentagram, Pelle Seth, Mike Bade, Joan Raspo and David Kelley (who all work primarily through the companys New York office); and Chel White, Denis Morella, Flea Circus, Steward Lee, Nick Hewitt, Tuesday McGowan and Jerry van de Beek (whose home is Curious San Francisco operation).
A team of sales representatives that includes Rachel Klein on the East and West Coasts, and Helen OBrien in the Midwest, supports Curious directors.
