Director Walter Pawluk has signed for commercial representation with Dublin Productions, the Hollywood-headquartered company headed by principal/director Rick Dublin and executive producer Jonathan Miller.
Pawluk spent the better part of the past year mulling over his production house options after exiting his first spot roost—bicoastal OneSuch Films and its sister shop, bicoastal WildLife Management—where he had a five-year stay. He continues to be repped in Canada by Boz Films, Vancouver, B.C., and in the Southeast U.S. by Fizz City, Atlanta. Dublin handles the director in all other territories.
Pawluk’s final assignment at OneSuch was a Twix ad via DMB&B, London. Most recently, he directed a Boz-produced campaign for the B.C. Lottery via Bryant, Fulton & Shee, Vancouver, B.C. The lotto ads feature actor Leslie Nielsen.
Miller, a commercial production house and ad agency veteran who joined Dublin last summer (SHOOT, 6/25/99, p. 1), described the addition of Pawluk as the first step in a plan "to evolve the company into a new form." A mutual friend introduced the executive producer to Pawluk last summer, and negotiations turned serious over the next several months. "Walter is a really good filmmaker," Miller said. "He’s got that special combination of making things funny while not losing sight of the idea that this is a piece of advertising. I think that’s a unique talent; one that could make him a top commercial director."
Pawluk observed that "it was good to have the time to think about where I wanted to go" after parting ways with OneSuch and WildLife. His careful deliberation led him ultimately to the Dublin studio. "I’ve always been a fan of Rick’s work, and then I got to know Jonathan and about his experience in the industry," related Pawluk. "I think [they are] a powerful combination. I’m looking forward to where this is going to head, because I see all the ingredients are in place. I’m excited about the potential of it all."
A ’94 graduate of the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, Calif., Pawluk said he will continue to hone his craft. "Ever since I picked up the Super 8, the goal has always been to entertain. I just really enjoy what I’m doing. I find it challenging."
The director’s reel consists of several award-winning spots. In ’94, his spec ads for Levi’s and AT&T tied for the Gold Clio in the student category. The Levi’s piece consists of two jean-wearing drag racers who set off without cars—they are instead seated on the paved racetrack. The one wearing Levi’s crosses the finish line with the seat of his jeans intact, while his competitor is not so lucky. The AT&T spot features "the Pope" driving down a rural road when he is taunted by a pair of ne’er-do-wells in a pickup truck. His Holiness is then seen placing a call on his car phone. Soon after, the sky darkens and a storm erupts. When the Pope catches up with the pickup truck, it is out of commission on the side of the road.
The following year, Pawluk’s spec ads for Conroy’s flowers and MTV won a Gold and Silver Clio, respectively, in the student category.
Pawluk’s first commercial assignment was "Rapid Panting" for the Pasadena Humane Society via Ground Zero, Marina del Rey, Calif. The ad was shot from the vantage point of an excited canine as he traverses the length of a crowded dinner table, poking his nose in the laps of the seated guests. When the dog reaches the family patriarch, who is delivering a congratulatory speech at the head of the table, he leaps onto the man’s leg. The tag: "Have your dog spayed or neutered. If he gets this excited about your leg, imagine how he feels when he sees another dog."
Pawluk’s additional credits include ads for Hardee’s via Lowe & Partners (now Lowe Lintas & Partners), New York; Coors Light via BBDO Vancouver, B.C.; Miller Lite via Leo Burnett Co., Chicago; and a client-direct package for Geffen Records and various rock bands, including White Zombie.
Pawluk joins a Dublin Productions’ directorial roster that also consists of Dublin, Tom Megalis, Peter Montgomery, director/DP Peter Hyams, and Jeffrey Kimball (a noted feature cinematographer who’s available to direct spots via the company).
Dublin Productions is represented by John Naitove on the East Coast; John Dunnicliffe and Harvey Warren on the West Coast; and Tim Harwood in the Midwest.
