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.
