Production company Ruffian has signed French director David Bertram for representation in the U.S. spanning commercials, branded content and music videos. This marks Bertram’s introduction to the American market.
After attending art school, Bertram entered the world of advertising, working for more than a decade as a creative in Paris before becoming a director. His most recent directorial music video credit for the electronic duo Bicep, “Saku,” is an aural and visual art tour de force. Exploring a sort of “psychological playground,” he propels the narrative of the song forward with emotionally charged imagery. Bertram filmed his video for Wassailer’s debut track, “Son,” while in COVID-19 lockdown in the Netherlands, produced in only a matter of weeks. He suffuses the cinematic experience with a “Lord of the Flies” atmosphere, using his friend’s children as the actors, creating an eerie and spellbinding visual. Synthpop band DATA’s “Don’t Sing” video inhabits an outwardly pleasant suburban community with some twisted, violent, sexy incidents that makes viewers squirm and grasp for answers.
“David is a storyteller in the truest sense,” said Ruffian founder/executive producer Robert Herman. “Whether it’s straight forward performance or highly technical, the narratives or characters drive the story forward, allowing it to shine through his visuals, making his work in advertising and music videos that much more striking and effective. His films are filled from beginning to end with meaningful moments you don’t want to miss. We’re very motivated and happy to be bringing his distinctive style to the U.S.”
Bertram said, “I enjoy creating alternate realities which are still rooted in the here and now, enough to make you question your own reality and understanding. To me, filmmaking is a way to explore the human condition, from our dreams to our failures, and everything in between. I connected with Rob and the team at Ruffian because they also share this passion for exploring unknowns.”
Bertram is represented by Diplomats in France.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More